A SOLICITOR'S LAPSE

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2861, 21 March 1925, Page 3

A SOLICITOR'S LAPSE

AND A NEWSPAPER’S SLIP.' Wellington, March 19tli. In the Appeal Court application was inade by the Auckland Law Society to strike oft’ or temporarily suspend Frederick John Mouat, solicitor. His offence had its origin in the case of the man Keogh, charged with the murder of his child. A New Zealand Truth reporter made a slip in his report of the case by stating that accused had been in the hands of the police before. Mouat drew intention to the slip, which was erroneously repeated, and demanded reparation to the extent of £IOO, threatening to attack the publisher for contempt of court if the amount was not paid. The paper published an apology and also undertook without prejudice, to see whether its Sydney principals would make an ex gratia payment to Mrs Keogh and family. At the same time it denied Keogh, whose defence was insanity, was prejudiced by the report, and warned the solicitor that it was improper to attempt to; compound for a criminal offence. Mouat admitted in correspondence that it was improper to compound for contempt of court, but threatened to serve proceedings if the amount demanded was not paid as he required the money for the costs of the, trial. All the correspondence was then handed over to the Law Society. Mount filed affidavits denying that his conduct was improper and also affidavits as to his good character. Mr von Haast appeared for the Law Society and Mr E. J. Prendergast for Mouat. After hearing counsel the Court said Mount's letter was improper and if he had considered the facts well beforehand, he would not have written it. Under the circumstances, however, it would be sufficient to order him to pay the costs only of the present proceedings.