Stonehouse released on bail

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33934, 29 August 1975, Page 9

Stonehouse released on bail

LV 7. P A.Reuter—Copyright) LONDON, August 28. John Stonehouse, the British member of Parliament extradited from Australia,! was released from prison on bail last night pending his! trial on charges of theft, forgery and fraud. The unexpected move by a Magistrate at Bow Street Court came after seven unsuccessful appeals for bail by Stonehouse during a six-week battle to secure his release from gaol, in London. The way now appears open to the 50-year-old member of Parliament for Walsall North to address the House of Commons. But he would have to submit a text beforehand to the Speaker of the House and would not be allowed to discuss anything relevant to the charges against him. The 21 charges involve £170.000. His seven bail applications had all been denied on the ground that he might try to abscond.

Stonehouse >vas released after two unnamed people put up sureties of £15,000 each. Stonehouse is himself standing persona! bail of £lO,OOO, making otal sureties of £40,000. Under the conditions of the bail he must report to the police every day except Sunday. He is due to appear in court again on September 17.

Acting Chief Magistrate Kenneth Barraclough said that there were "grave and weighty reasons for keeping this gentleman in custody,” but because of the difficulties experienced by Stonehouse’s lawyers in preparing the defence cast while he was in Brixtor prison, he had decided t< grant bail in the interests o getting a speedy trial.