A MERCIFUL JUDGE

Hokitika Guardian, 2 August 1929, Page 6

A MERCIFUL JUDGE

SICK WOMAN IN DOCK. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, August 1. An unusual happening occurred in the Supreme Court to-day when Grace Edith Darling Greenfield, a married woman, was charged with fraudulently stating that she posted a letter containing £6 15s 1 , knowing that she had not done so. Accused, who was obviously seriously ill, was in the dock for nearly two hours, and from time to time had to be supported by the police matron. The jury was unable to agree upon a verdict after four hours’ retirement, and a retrial was ordered. After' a short retirement, Mr Sullivan, counsel for tho accused, said that in view of the fact that the jury had considered tho case so carefully, and in view of her health, accused had instructed him to plead guilty. She was the mother of eleven children, and had never been in trouble before. Mr Justice Ostler decided to accept the plea and regard the proceedings as a retrial. Addressing the accused he said that she was really liable to two years imprisonment, but he could see.she was throroughly ill, and he would • not send her ''to prison. The publicity of trial and the anguish and agony she had suffered brought their own punishment. . He’ would convict her and order her to come up for senience when called upon, and pay the costs of prosecution. The accused, who was on the verge of collapse had to be carried from the dock. Counsel, on her behalf thanked the Judge for the consideration shown.