Cheers for Woolnough on acquittal

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 34012, 28 November 1975, Page 14

Cheers for Woolnough on acquittal

uVctr Zealand P AI’CK LAN I After being ac< on 12 charges of p Dr James W oolnou and cheered, and 4 the back of the J Auckland clapped shouted a joyous ”h The crowd of supporters of the doctor crowded the court foyer for just over 11 hours while the jury considered its verdict. In the previous trial, held in August, the jury took five hours and could not reach agreement. After the foreman of the jury had announced the verdict on each of the charges. Mr Justice Chilwell said he had been asked by the Crown to reserve a question of law for the opinion of the Court of Appeal on whether his direction was correct regarding the test to be applied as to whether the use of an instrument is unlawful. He said he could not give an absolute discharge to Dr. Woolnough. but he was discharged subject to the Court. 1

rrsx Association I). November 27. quitted late tonight roeuring abortions, igh, raised his hand ■5 of his friends at supreme Court in their hands and iurray." of Appeal’s ordering a new trial. As Dr Woolnough came out of the court building, all his supporters greeted him with wild cheers, and the doctor modestly waved. In an interview outside the court, Dr Woolnough said that needless to say it was a great treat to be acquitted, and he believed it had almost, certainly settled the matter. "A complete acquittal is a wonderful result," he said. "1 would like to pay some| tribute to the Auckland Medical Aid Trust people who organise the clinic, which was the centre of the whole thing. Those are wonderful people.” Dr Woolnough said he had some wonderful friends in New Zealand, and he might stay here and become a Kiwi. I Dr Woolnough said that as a result of the trial a lot of doctors all over New Zealand who referred cases for abortion, and who operated themselves, would feel a lot . easier. He said he would carry on as usual tomorrow. He did not feel he had been used, although he felt the trial was i something of a test case. He!] believed the law in New Zea- 1 land had to be tested at some;; time. Dr Woolnough said his'i friends seemed to worry!; more than he did. and at no i time had he expected to go to gaol.