RE-TRIAL BEGINS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 108, 9 May 1941, Page 8

RE-TRIAL BEGINS

CHARGES OF THEFT

INSURANCE DEPOSITS

The re-trial of Henry Ludovic Martini, insurance agent, on two charges of alleged theft of sums of money totalling £6 6/2, was commenced before Mr. Justice Callan in the Supreme Court this morning. Mr. G. S. R. Meredith conducted the Crown case and Mr. Robinson appeared for Martini. Evidence was given by the actingdistrict secretary of the National Mutual Life Association, that on February 9 and on May 3, 1940, accused had handed in proposals for insurances of £100 and £200 respectively, but stated on each occasion that he had not received the deposits. It was later found that he had given receipts to the prospective clients and had received the moneys. These moneys had been made good by the company. Mr. Robinson, said his client admitted quite freely that; he had received the deposits, but the fact that he had handed the proposals in showed that there was no intention to defraud. His action had been be-r----cause of his desire to speed up the' issue of the policies as he had had frequent complaints about delay. In some cases also, it was possible to turn a quarterly payment into a yearly premium or even to sell more insurance when the client had been found medically fit. After evidence by Martini as to his motives and methods, his Honor summed up and the jury retired shortly before the luncheon adjournment.