Police Court.

Feilding Star, Volume XIX, Issue 42, 18 August 1897, Page 2

Police Court.

Tuesday, August 17th. (Befote Messrs F. Y. Letbbridge and J. C. Thompson, J.'aP.) This case against Thomas Gillies for alleged rape was oontinned after we went to press yesterday, tbe complainant Annie Looney being examined by Constable Tnohy for the prosecution and Mr L. E. Reade for the defence. Tbe offence was alleged to have been com* mitted on Augnst 7th. Dr <Tobnßton gave evidence of having examined tbe girl on August 12th, bat owing to tbe lapse of time could Dot •tate whether a rape bad been commit^ ted or not, Albert Wickham and John Eobinson were examined as to the girl's respectability. Alex. J. Smith gave evidence of what be had seen and beard on tbe night in question. Mounted-Constable Healey deposed to the girl making a complaint to him on tho night of August 7th at about 12.35 a.m. and to his accompanying ber to tbe police station to consult with Constable Tnohy who advised that the girl should swear an information tbe following morning before, a J.P. as they did not feel justified in arresting accused with* ont a warrant, after what tbe girl had admitted. The information was not •worn until tbe following Thursday tbe accused being arrested the same evening. This witness stated the girl bad recently been in the habit of walking tbe streets of Feilding all night, and ibis the girl admitted Saving done on several occasions but denied it was for any improper purposes. Constable Healey also stated tbe enly cause tbe police bad for complaint against tho girl was that she was out late at night and tba.t be bad advised ber parents of the fact, but tbe girl refused to go. borne. For the defence Mr Reade asked that the case be dismissed, as tbe evidence was not corroborative. Tbe defence denied the charge and were prepared to call evidence if necessary. The Bench retired for a few minutes i and on returning stated that they bad decided to dismiss the information as there was not sufficient evidence to commit the accused for trial.