ALLEGED ABORTION.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 August 1920, Page 4

ALLEGED ABORTION.

A NOTABLE CASE. fPLw I'HiißS ASSOCIATION- — WELLINGTON, August 9. For the fifth time, James Hayne and Norman Noylon appeared in the dock of the Supreme Court to-day on a charge of using an unlawful instrument to procure abortion. Mr Macassey for the Grown after reveiwing the ease, said the Crown did not propose lo call evidence against Neylon, and, the Jury might acquit'him. Judge Edwards dir. ectod the jury accordingly. The Crown then asked Neyion to take tile witness I stand which he did with some hosita- j tion. in answer to a question lie said ! lie kept company with the girl Gladys I Batchelor, who became, pregnant. Ho declined to answer a further question * involving Hayne, asking whether he was to understand that Hayne was bei ing acquitted. The judge said Hayne 1 was on his trial and Neylon must understand that a witness must give evidence if called upon to do so. He stood to be severely punished if lie did not Ho so. If by arrangement with a witness, a. person charged with a criminal offence could escape it would be monstrous frustration of justice. Witness must answer or take" the consequences. Witness asked leave to speak to his solicitor, hut the Judge declined. Mr Fair who appeared for Neylon, pointed out that witness might he afraid of incriminating himself and he would like time to consider the position. However in granting an adjournment the Judge said said witness had nothing to fear. He had been acquitted that lie might he able to give evidence without fear.

When the Hayne case was resumed this afternoon, Neylon denied haying had anything to do with the girl, or that she had ever told him of her condi. tion. Witness declared the girl’s statements at the earlier trials were lies. The girl Gladys Batchelor, then entered the box, but she again refused to_ answer any questions. The Judge then abandoned the hearing till eleven to-morrow morning. Mr Wilfour mentioned the matter of bail for Hayne. The Judge replied:—“l don’t suppose he wili run away. I don’t see how he can ran away. Perhaps if lie did, it would save us a lot of trouble.’