FOUND NOT GUILTY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 84, 20 January 1930, Page 5

FOUND NOT GUILTY

TYPICAL FRENCH TRIAL.

DEATH OF AN ENGLISHWOMAN. A TRAGEDY AT MONTE CARLO. (United Press Association —Copyright.) PARIS, January IS. • "She killed herself; what else can I say?" This was the reply of Francois Pinet to questions during his crossexamination at the opening of his trial in Aix-le-Provenee on a- charge or having murdered Miss Olive Branson. The old world Courthouse was crowded with people apparently hostile to the prisoner, who, despite nine months spent in prison awaiting trial, was almost dapper, though evidently anxious. Numerous stormy passages between, the prosecution and the defence'delayed proceedings. Pinet kept a strong hold on himself and replied to the 'president's questions adroitly, and appeared to be satisfied with liis ability to dodge the most pointed interrogations by the assertion that Miss Branson committed suicide. "Pinet, you were the woman's lover," said the Judge.

The prisoner bowed his head. '.'Also her legal heir; what have you to say?" demanded the Judge. "She killed herself," was the accused's answer.

Three doctors out of four expressed the opinion that it would have been impossible for Miss Bronson to have committed suicide.

The defence emphasised the factors pointing to suicide, these being Miss Branson's ruling passion and love for Pinet, and' love for painting the wild beauty of Baux, in a district known as "the Valley of Hell." _ On the davi of her death she had received notification of the Academy's rejection of one of her paintings, and she had quarrelled with Pinet.

The jury found Pinet not guilty, and the decision was cheered by a crowded Court. Pinet received his acquittal with the calm which he had maintained throughout his trial.

Miss Olive Branson's body was found in a water-tank near the villa where she lived, at Lesbaux. early in May last year. The police first concluded that it was a. case of suicide, but a post-mortem examination revealed a bullet wound in the head. Francois Pinet, who was later arrested on a charge of murder, was manager of the. Hotel .Monte Carlo. It was stated that a will signed by Miss Branson was discovered at Pinet's house, leaving the hotel to him, and that Miss Branson was on the verge of selling the property.