COUNSEL REBUKED

Hokitika Guardian, 10 February 1926, Page 1

COUNSEL REBUKED

SUPREME COURT INCIDENT. WELLINGTON, February 6. There was a dramatic interlude in the Supreme Court at Wellington on Wednesday during the course of Mr George Toogood’s pleading on behalf of Frank Patrick Fleetwood, who was standing his trial on a charge of stealing trophies from, the Wellesley Club on the night of December 21. “ Here are the cups little the worse for wear,” said Mr Toogood, “and we have the position of a man pleading guilty to the olfence. The cups have been restored, so why look further— ?” His Honor Mr Justice Reed (sharply) •„ Mr Toogood, that is the most shocking and shameful suggestion, T have ever heard from a counsel in this Court. Your suggestion is that the jurymen should disregard their oaths, because the cups have been restored and a man has pleaded guilty to the offence. It is a most disgraceful suggestion. Mr Toogood: I object, sir— His Honor: You may object as much as vou like. It is my duty to see that justice in this Court is administered properly, and T take strong objection to a suggestion that a verdict on such unreasonable grounds should be adopted. .Mr Toogood: Very well, sir I will say no more than that the cups have been restored. That is all I have to say. “Proceed with your case,” said his Honor.