MORITZON’S CASE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 325, 22 April 1881, Page 2

MORITZON’S CASE.

[by telegraph.] Dunedin, To-day. On the Court re-assembling this morning the Foreman of the jury in Moritzon’s case said that there was no prospect of an agreement between them. At Mr Haggiu’s request, the Judge explained to the jury that they need not acquit or convict on all the three counts in the indictment. The jury again retired for a few minutes. They said on return that they disagreed on the first countand found prisoner “not guilty ” in the other two. A long discussion ensued between the Judge and counsel as to whether or not such a verdict could be recorded. Eventually His Honor decided to enter a verdict of acquittal on the last two counts and allow the prisoner to be tried again on the first count. The Judge in discharging the jury told them that they had allowed their sympathies and not their reason to prevail. Three remaining indictments and the two decided cases were then adjourned till the July sitting, pending the decision of the appeal court. The counsel for the defence strongly urged the prisoner’s liberation on increased bail. The Judge said when a point was reserved after conviction the question of bail was within the discretion of the Court, but in view of the numerous cases of the kind be would not grant the application.