Late News AGOSTINI TRIAL

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 233, 29 June 1944, Page 6

Late News AGOSTINI TRIAL

Manslaughter Verdict Returned (By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Received June 29, 1.30 a.tn.) MELBOURNE, June 28. After counsel’s addresses ' and Mr. Justice Lowe's summing up in the Agostini trial today the jury retired to consider its verdict at 3.40 p.m,, but was recalled for a further direction by the judge, who said that if the jurors had any reasonable doubt as to whether the cause of death was accidental they should give the prisoner the lieneflt of it, even if they rejected Agostini’s account. The jury then retired again, and returned at 5.40 p.m. with a verdict of manslaughter. Accused was remanded for sentence. An unexpected incident occurred when the Court opened in the morning when Dr. Palmer Benbow rose in the Court and asked to be sworn in to give evidence. At the inquest several months ago Dr. Benbow gave lengthy evidence in support of a claim by Mrs. Jeanette Routledge that the “Pyjama Girl’’ was her illegitimate daughter Anna Philomena Morgan. When Dr. Benbow rose this morning the judge asked “Who are you?” and was told “Dr. Benbow, Sir.” His Honour asked Benbow to sit down and the jury to be ordered from the Court. Dr. Benbow was given permission to address the court, and he began: “With great respect, I wish to lie sworn in to place before you vital information regarding the welfare of this prisoner.’ His Honour: “What have you to do with this case?” . Dr. Benbow: “I have collected information to place, before you.” His Honour: “Is this information known to the counsel for the defence?” Dr. Benbow: “It is. known to the defence counsel and the prosecution and has been suppressed by both. It was also withheld from the cofbner.” His Honour: “I do not propose to hear you. Just take your seat.” Dr. Benbow sat down, and the counsels addresses proceeded.