AN EXTRAORDINARY CASE.

Taihape Daily Times, 15 May 1919, Page 5

AN EXTRAORDINARY CASE.

THE CHIEF JUSTICE SURPRISED. WELLINGTON, May 14 At the Supreme Court, Arthur James Ford and Thomas Evans, employed as nightwatchihen at the Defence Stores, Buckle Street, were charged with the theft of a variety of articles from the stores. Evans pleaded not guilty. Ford pleaded guilty to the theft of articles found in a bag he wa s carrying when arrested. Among the witnesses for the prosecution was Ford, who explained that he was under the influence of liquor on the night in question and could remember little about the proceedings. Apparently the goods exhibited in Court had been taken by him into the yard. Evans then cleared out with some of the goods, among which was a roll of damask cloth.

Counsel for the defence, said that after the evidence given *by Ford, he did not intend calling any witnesses. The jury returned, after half an hour's absence, and asked the Chief Justice, whether an accomplice in a case of theft could be Held guilty. His Honour replied affirmatively. The jury, after another hour's absence, returned with a verdict of not guilty. His Honour asked if the jury understood the charge he had given them. The foreman: Yes, sir

His Honour: I can only say it is the most extraordinary case I ever had in my life, and I have been twenty years on the bench.