Witnesses’ Identity to be Safeguarded

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 349, 9 May 1928, Page 1

Witnesses’ Identity to be Safeguarded

DOCTOR CN TRIAL JUDGE HAS COURT CLEARED

Press Association. WELLINGTON, To-day.

The principle of protecting the identity of witnesses in certain cases was followed by Mr. Justice Reed in the Supreme Court to-

day. The trial of Joseph Patrick Hennessy, a medical practitioner, on a charge of having unlawfully used an instrument on a woman, with intent to procure a certain result, opened in the Supreme Court to-day. Mr. Justice Reed, before proceeding with the hearing, directed that the names of two principal witnesses, either in evidence or in the indictment, should not be published, nor any reference to their respective occupations or places of residence, nor of any details that might point to thejr identity. An order was also made clearing the court.

Evidence is proceeding on the lines of that given in the lower court. GIRL AT POLICE STATION

In answer to Mr. Singer, the girl concerned in the case said that she was considerably upset wl-ie ntaken to the police station, and asked to make a statement. She did n:>t remember any actual threat, but Detective McLennan said that the best thing for her was to make a statement. She made a statement because she did not know how much they knew. Detective McLennan said: "We know all about you. It’s no use you trying to l fciff us.” He also said that if she gave truthful evidence at he trial the police would suggest that she be pardoned for any part she had taken. She was to be given an indemnity. The principal male witness said that two detectives called at his house at 2.30 in the morning. They had a typewriter and two electric torches. It was a surprise, and not a very pleasant one. One torch illuminated the paper and the other the typewriter. It was suggested that if he did no: make a statement, he would be put in the dock. He had since received an indemnity against prosecution. The case is proceeding.