"Not Guilty.”

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 86, 2 April 1914, Page 5

"Not Guilty.”

THE STARCHFIELD TRIAL. A QUESTION OF IDENTIFICATION. By Electric Telegraph-Copyright [United Pares Association.] (Received 9.10 a.m.) London, April 1. In the Starchfield trial, the case rests on the testimony of three witnesses. As to identification the evidence is conflicting. Witness White said he noticed a peculiarity whfle in the Police Court, reminding him of the huskiness in the voice of the man who was talking to the deceased boy at Camden station. ■ CROWN CASE DISCONTINUED. (Received 12.5 p.m.) London, April 1. When the case for the Crown closed, Judge Atkin remarked that the evidence against Starchfield depended entirely on identification by three witnesses, two of whom had never seen Starchfield before. He suggested it was not safe to allow the case to go to a jury, though there was no imputation against the witnesses. Mr Bodkin, Crown prosecutor, agreed to discontinue the case and a verdict. was returned of not guilty, Judge Atkin remarking that the Coroner had violated the principles whereupon an inquiry should bo conducted. A large crowd cheered Starchfield on his acquittal.