UNUSUAL CHARGE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 127, 11 March 1939, Page 5

UNUSUAL CHARGE

ACCUSED BEFORE THE COURT. 1 \ REMAND ON BAIL GRANTED. ‘ ‘IMPROPERLY INTER FERING WITH HUMAN REMAINS.” (Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, This Day. Described on the charge sheet as a labourer, aged 38, James Arthur Talbot, a well-built man of medium height, was charged at the Police Court to-day before Mr C. It. Orr Walker, S.M., “That on or about February 10 he did improperly interfere with human remains.” Representing him, Mr John Terry did not at this stage enter any plea, but asked for bail. A large crowd waited outside the public entrance and later crowded the space reserved in Court. After outlining the facts leading uo the arrest of Talbot, Detective-Sergeant Walsh said it was now alleged by th 9 police that the remains found in the debris of the bach .at Piha were those of Patrick Henry Shine, from a grave unlawfully opened at Waikumete Cemetery. Mr Walsh asked that in the event of bail being granted the amount fixed should he substantial and in two sureties, with the proviso that accused report twice daily to the police. He requested a remand until next Friday. Mr Terry said that accused was charged under the Crimes Act and was bailable as of right. Ho had shown no desire to leave New Zealand during the police inquiries. In fact, he had assisted the police. The Magistrate granted a remand until next Friday and adjourned the court while the question of bail was discussed in Chambers, Twenty minutes later All’ Orr Walker announced in Court that he'’had fixed bail in accused’s own surety of a bond of £4OO and two other sureties each of £2OO.