HISTORY OF CASE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 168, 18 July 1942, Page 6

HISTORY OF CASE

FRESH EVIDENCE PRODUCED

The first trial of Mareo commenced in the Auckland Supreme Court on Monday, February 17, 1936. Mareo was charged with murdering Thelma Clarice Mareo, his 29-year-old wife.

In a firm voice, Mareo, who was then aged 45, pleaded not guilty.

Mrs. Mareo died at her home at Tenterden Avenue, Mount Eden, on April 15, 1935. Mareo was arrested on September 2, 1935.

Mr. Justice Fair was the trial judge. Owing to the absence of the Crown Prosecutor, Mr. V. R. Meredith, Mr. A. H. Johnstone, K.C., conducted the case for the Crown, assisted by Mr. V. N. Hubble.

Mr. Humphrey O'Leary, K.C., of Wellington, assisted by Mr. Trevor Henry and Mr. K. C. Aekins, of Auckland, appeared for the defence. In Mareo's name Mr. O'Leary claimed from the jury a verdict of not guilty. He criticised at great length the evidence of the medical experts.

The tense Court drama of the sensational trial ended on Wednesday, February 26, when at 8 p.m. the jury returned with a verdict of guilty." Upon hearing this verdict and when asked if he had anything to say Mareo, in a clear, ringing voice, said, "Nothing to say against it. Only, it seems to me, after the evidence, which has been most just in every way—and after the judge's direction to the jury, that their verdict is a travesty of justice. Nothing more." The death sentence was then passed upon Mareo. Second Trial The second trial of Mareo began in the Supreme Court, Auckland, on Monday, June 1, 1936, the retrial being granted to Mareo on the grounds that fresh evidence had been discovered. Mr. Justice Callan presided. On this occasion Mr. V. R. Meredith, Crown Prosecutor at Auckland, appeared with Mr. F. McCarthy for the Crown. Mareo was defended by Mr. Humphrey O'Leary. K.C., Mr. Trevor Henry and Mr. K. C. Aekins. No evidence was called for the defence at the first trial, but at the second several witnesses were called, including three witnesses from Australia. In his address Mr. u Leary contended that there was an automatic taking of veronal by Mrs. a !k j S^e took a dose from which she died. eat h sentence was subse-