BRIBING JURYMEN

Hokitika Guardian, 22 February 1921, Page 1

BRIBING JURYMEN

ECHO OF THE F. y. EAST )X CASE

PALMERSTON N., Feb 17 In the alleged attempted bribery tiial of i boinas Martin, Mr Justice Salmond, in summing U p, said that he was not aware of a previous case of a similar nature to the present one, which was a testimony to the purity ->f the administration of criminal justice in this country; but there were grave pos-

sibilities of mischief in that direction. A day or two ago newspapers reported the existence of an organised syndicate in 1 ictoria for bribing juries, and it

was apparently a flourishing business He trusted that it would lie a long day before similar industrial enterpries reached this country. In each of the counts before them the jury would have to consider: (1) Whether accused was guilty ot attempted bribery, and (2) whether lie endeavoured to corrupt witnesses in the ease. The evidence for the prosecution was wholly uncontradicted, and therefore they might accept it as true, and the question then was bow far did they prove the charges f Jt was not necessary to prove any connection with Easton, or that be bad money, and not that ail actual offer was made; but that was not the way bribery was conducted. A man would sound another and suggest things, committing himself as little ns possible until lie felt sure of his ground. The mere preparation for a crime was not a crime in itself , but if a man sounded a juryman on a subject be thought that that established an actual attempt to corrupt. As to the defence’s suggestion that Martin was talking “hot air” ; if they thought that be was‘talking at large without intention they would find him not guilty. His Honour then reviewed the evi-

dence in detail. The jury returned a verdict of guilty on both counts, relating to one juryman, and also to attempting to influence in three other cases. Ilis Honour sentenced prisoner to 12 months’ imprisonment with hard labour.