THE BOTTOMLEY CASE.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 January 1922, Page 5

THE BOTTOMLEY CASE.

REASON FOR THE COLLAPSE.

FURTHER PROCEEDINGS.

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.

Received Jan. 25, 12.25 a.m.

London, Jan. 23.

The sensational end to the Bottomley case astonished the public. Bottomley explains the trial would have occupied at least twenty-one days and cost many thousands; therefore he is seeking other means of dealing with Bigland’s charges, when he can conduct his own case.

He adds: “At the Old Bailey I would have been subjected to a week’s crossexamination in connection with every incident of my business life for the last twenty years.” The proceedings at the Old Bailey were so rapid that the public bad no time to make a demonstration, but Bigland’s friends gathered round the dock and congratulated him. There is still a case pending at the Shropshire Assizes, where Bigland is accused of inciting people to extort money from Bottomley during the Wreekin election. Bottomley states that after Shropshire there will probably be further proceedings, in which he will conduct his. own case.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

Bottomley’s libel action against Bigland collapsed somewhat sensationally at the Old Bailey. Bottomley’s counsel applied for an adjournment in order to secure the attendance of certain witnesses. Bigland’s counsel opposed the application, whereupon the prosecution offered no evidence, and the judge acquitted Bigland, granting him costs.