"NOT GUILTY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 31, 7 February 1939, Page 10

"NOT GUILTY.

WATERSIDER DISCHARGED. THEFT ALLEGATION PAILS, i _____ "Not guilty on either count was the verdict returned by a jury in the Supreme Court yesterday before Mr. Justice Callan when a waterside worker, George Walter Ward. aged 26 (Mr. Sullivan) was charged with stealing at Auckland on or about December 6 from the motor vessel Pakura a case of gin valued at £8 2/, the property of Common, Slielton and Company, Ltd., Gisborne. and, alternatively, with receiving the same, knowing it to have been dishonestly obtained. Accused pleaded not guilty to both charges. Mr. R. Meredith prosecuted. Evidence was given by members of the ship's company as to the conditions under which the gin was allegedly stolen. Accused, in evidence, said he had an unblemished record and had nothing to do with a sack which allegedly contained the gin. He said in cross-examination that one of the witnesses was mistaken when he stated that accused was carrying a sack. Accused was carrying his overcoat. Accused's testimony was corroborated by another waterside worker, and Mr. Sullivan, for accused, submitted that the Crown's case was based on pure suspicion and that the accused's explanation must stand. Accused was discharged.