The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 - 1954) Friday 26 November 1954

Man Neglected Family;
Given 6 Months' Gaol

"This is a shocking case-the worst I have ever
seen," Mr. P. R. Biggin, S.M., said in Horsham Court of
Petty Sessions on Wednesday when sentencing a man
to six months' gaol.

Clarence Leslie Nitschke, of Keith, South
Australia, was convicted of having failed
to provide food and shelter for his wife and
three young children. He pleaded guilty.
Constable P. Blake, of
Dimboola Police, said in
evidence on November 18
this year the children, aged
three, and twins of 17
months, were charged at
Dimboola Children's Court
as neglected children and
had been committed to
Child Welfare as wards of
.the State.
"On November 2, Nit-
schke left his wife and
children in a covered truck
on the roadside at Gerang
Gerung. His wife was in
an advanced stage of preg-
nancy and was left with-
out money," Constable
Blake said.
Mrs. NItschke entered
hospital on November 5.
Nitschke did not provide
adequate attention for his
family from the time he
left them.
The truck was filthy
and stank, Constable Blake
added.
Nitschke, in evidence,
said he returned to Keith
to obtain a part for his
truck motor.
Mr. Biggin imposed a
gaol sentence of six  
months with £1/18/3 costs,
and ordered Nitschke to
pay 12/- a week mainten-
ance for each child while
in the care of the State.