EX-CONSTABLE’S TRIAL

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 967, 9 May 1930, Page 16

EX-CONSTABLE’S TRIAL

JURY ACQUITS AFTER LONG RETIREMENT EVIDENCE OF FIANCEE Press Association CHRISTCHURCH, Thursday. The trial was held In the Supreme Court today of Joseph Reginald Wilson, a former constable, on charges of the theft of goods from shops in Christchurch. After a long retirement the jury found the accused not guilty. Evidence was given by representatives of the shopkeepers concerned that the goods in the possession of the police were identical with goods which had been in their stocks, and which had been missed without having been sold. Gladys Myrtle Johansson said she had been engaged to accused. The marriage had been arranged for June 26 of last year, but the engagement was broken off in November, after a quarrel, during which witness threatened to go to the superintendent of police. Accused had brought a fur coat to her one night, saying it was a wedding present. Witness had bought the coat from Wilson for £ls She had also got two frocks and stockings and cutlery from accused. Inspector Fitzpatrick, of Greymouth. said that on March 17 he saw accused at Auckland. He showed him the coat and frocks. Wilson denied having given Miss Johansson the articles. Witness examined accused’s place of residence, and discovered there a motor-tyre lever, which had been sharpened. The jury retired and returned after one hour, announcing that they were unable to agree. His Honour informed them that, he was unable to accept a disagreement until they had been in retirement for four hours. Later the jury returned with a verdict of not guilty on all counts.