DIVORCE SUIT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 114, 16 May 1942, Page 3

DIVORCE SUIT

CO-RESPONDENT'S REPLY An explanation of how he came to be included with the respondent in a flashlight photo taken at midnight in a bedroom was given by the co-respondent, James Meldrum Scarlett, in the divorce suit Charles Patrick Belton (Mr. Robinson) v. Joyce Doreen Belton (Mr. Skelton) before Mr. Justice Fair and a jury in the Supreme Court yesterday. Scarlett said he was a driver and had never been a company manager. After outlining his friendship with Mrs. Belton on the innocent basis previously stated by her, he said that he arranged for her to have the refuge of a room for the night when she sought escape from attentions by her husband, when she was arranging a separation. lie went to the room to inquire if she had the necessary sleeping attire and fotind that she' was asleep. Startled by a noise outside the door of the room he sat on the bedside, and next thing he knew he was lying on the floor being hit with a torch by an inquiry agent and being kicked by Belton. Witness stated that there had never been anything but the most innocent relations of friendship between himself and Mrs. Belton. After evidence by another witness as to the signs of unhappiness in the married life of the Beltons before petitioner left the police force, the hearing was adjourned till Monday.