A MISSING CAPE

Hokitika Guardian, 28 November 1933, Page 7

A MISSING CAPE

MAN AND WIFE CHARGED

WELLINGTON, November 24

A case before Air J. S. Barton, S.M. to-day presented unusual features. John Patou. Hardy, aged 29, a compositor, and his wife, Isabella Jean Hardy, aged 23, were jointly charged with the theft of a crepe de chine cape valued at £2, the property ol Mrs Dyer, wife of the licensed of the Nmv Zealander Hotel.

The parties were married after the alleged offence, the police said, and the evidence of-the wife was not available against the husband. Air Barton heard the charges separately. . Mrs Dyer said th c capo and other articles were missed by her last December Some months later she saw a girl m Christchurch wearing a cape. This

girl proved to be the sister of the accused woman. Accused said the cape and a. pair of gloves were given to her by Hardy about Christmas. -

Mr Barton dismissed the charge, saying that there was no case against the woman.

' Under cross-examination the woman said she had married the accused in March, and a few days after the police interviewed him. When counsel later suggested that there was nothing against the man, the magistrate said that, though the evidence was weak, the case called for an explanation, Th e fact that lm married, thereby technically putting the woman’s evidence out of court, strengthened the police case. After further argument he convicted Hardy. Security for appeal was fixed at £7 7s.