NOT GUILTY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 251, 4 August 1937, Page 6

NOT GUILTY

WOMAN ACQUITTED ON' RETRIAL. (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, August 3. The retrial of Dorothy Baker, a married woman, aged 33, was concluded before Mr Justice Fair in the Supreme Court. The two charges against her were of counselling or procuring Raymond Grigg to unlawfully use an instrument on a girl aged 19 at Panmure, and on her own daughter, aged 14, on August 25. The jury failed to agree on the case about 10 days ago. After hearing evidence, his Honor directed the jury that on the second count relating to accused’s daughter there was no evidence to justify the jury in finding the charge true, and they must find a verdict of not guilty. With regard to the first charge, they must not allow themselves to be influenced by the fact that the chief offender was not being prosecuted, as they had. been told the police had been unable to find him. His Honor thought the evidence of the mother and the girl on this count might be accepted as reliable in every respect. Accused’s statement admitted the fact relied on by the crown to establish the offence. After a retirement of two and a half hours the jury returned with a verdict of not guilty, and accused was discharged. On hearing the verdict she collapsed in the dock, and was carried screaming from Court.