SUPREME COURT.—CIRCUIT SITTINGS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5495, 6 November 1878, Page 2

SUPREME COURT.—CIRCUIT SITTINGS.

"' ■■ •' ■' *** Tuesday, Novejibeu 0. (Before His Houor Mr. Justice Gillies.) FOItCIEUY. The Court reopened at ten o’clock, when the case against A. H. Maclean for forgery was resumed. On the termination o£ the evidence, counsel addressed the jury, Mr. Ollivier making an able and forcible speech on behalf of tho accused. His Honor Mr. Justice Gillies summed upthe evidence very minutely, telling tho jury it was entirely for them to decide, after comparing the signatures to tho documents, whether the charge had been proved beyond all reasonable doubt. The jury thou retired, and after a considerable absence returned into Court. Tho (addressing tho foreman) inquired if tho jury hud come to a verdict, and if they found the prisoner guilty or not guilty. The Foreman ; Not guilty. There was somo applause in Court at the announcement of tho verdict, but the officers immediately suppressed it. Tho Foreman (continuing) : Tho jury is of the unanimous opinion that there was a doubt as to prisoner’s guilt—— Mr. Ollivier (interrupting): This is quite irregular - , I submit. Tho Foreman (heedless of Mr. Olllvier's interruption) : Arid they wish me to add a rider to that effect, and to give the prisoner tho benefit of that doubt. Mr. Ollivier: There is another charge, your Honor, I don’t know what tho Crown propose

to do with regard to the other charge. The accused was committed upon another charge to that upon jyhich he has been tried and acquitted, If your Honor will consider that you are discharging from that charge on which the accused has been indicted and the other on which he was committed.

His Honor; Then virtually it raises the question of the gaol delivery. If no charges are brought forward against him, he is simply discharged. Mr. Ollivier: Then the prosecution is determined ?

His Honor; The prosecution is determined. His Honor (to accused): The jury have found you not guilty—a verdict in which I entirely concur. You are now discharged from custody. There was some further applause in Court, which was immediately suppressed. The Court then adjourned until ten o’clock nest morning.