COURT SENSATION

Hokitika Guardian, 15 June 1928, Page 2

COURT SENSATION

WHO IS THE CULPRIT, (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, June 14. • A remarkable incident occurred at tbe Police Court when Guy Carney, aged 23, an American seaman, was charged with stealing two coats belonging to Thomas AY. Fulford. The theft was alleged to have been emumi t ted at Fulfor’s flat, to vincV he had invited the accused one night a week ago. The accused stated that Fulford had remarked on the chilliness of night, and had said if witness would accept his invitation to his flat, he ■ would give him two coats, which would be warmer. AA’hile lie was-there however, Fulford made certain suggestions to him. Resenting these he (Carney) said that ho had thieatened to ‘•’smack” Fulford. AY lien he (witness) left, he took with l.im the coats as well as eleven shillings in cash, which, he said, was put into his hand bv Fulford.

“Here is a man trying to blacken tlie character of another,” said Magistrate Hunt. “Here is a man making vile and filthy suggestions,, and asking this Court to believe them. This sort of thing is abominable. The accused will he sentenced to six months imprisonment with hard labour.”

Later, however, a young man. who was jin tho court, made a statement to the police. AYhen he was acquainted of the spectator’s statement, the magistrate ordered the accused to be brought back. He also heard the evidence of the new witness.

The new witness: “I recognised that young man Fnlford, when I first saw him in court this morning, and when I beard that Carney got six months', I just Lad to say what I knew. Fnlford came up to me once, and he took mo for a drive in bis car to the Donian, where be made suggestions to me. I told him to “cut it out,” and I left linn when I got to town.”

Witness detailed incidents which lie alleged happened in the car.

While the witness was giving evidence Fulford said: “I have never seen this man in my life before.” The magistrate; "I am surprised. This, puts a new complexion on things. Fortunately. I have not entered up my decisions in the record Look, and, after hearing this new evidence, I am not prepared to let that sentence stand. I wil_repeal it, and will remand the accused to enable the police to make inquiries into these very grave allegations.” Accordingly, the accused was remanded to.'appear to-morrow, when the question as to whether lie should have his liberty during a week’s iemand which was granted, will be decided.