BOOKMAKING CHARGES

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 210, 31 May 1921, Page 5

BOOKMAKING CHARGES

AN AUCKLAND CASE M’DEVITT FOUND NOT GUILTY ON SECOND TRIAL By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, May 30. The second trial of Cornelius M'Dovitt on charges of bookmaking was proceeded •with in the Supreme Court to-day before Mr. Justice Stringer. There were seven counts concerning beta alleged to have been made on February 12, 16, 17, 24, 25, 26, and 28. Evidence similar to that previously reported was tendered by the prosecution. His Honour summed up, advising ths Jury that the statements male in the box were quite sufficient to prove that accused was carrying on business as a bookmaker. Unless they were prepared to say that they disregarded the evidence, it. was clearly and definitely proved that M'Dovitt was, on the days mentioned, currying on business as a bookmaker. If lhev had any material doubt, accused was entitled to the benefit of it, but it must he a reasonable doubt, founded on facts before them. He considered that unless they discounted the evidence the jury would find it difficult to come to any other conclusion than that accused was guilty. The jury, after two hours* retirement, returned with a unanimous verdict of not guilty.