Privately-laid Thomas case charges

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 34029, 18 December 1975, Page 2

Privately-laid Thomas case charges

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, December 17. Two Auckland policemen and the Auckland Crown Prosecutor today were granted publication of their names in privately-laid charges that they had submitted perjured evidence and bribed and intimidated a jury in the trials of Arthur Allan Thomas.

Bruce Hutton, a chief inspector, John Rex Hughes, a senior-ser-geant, and David Morris asked Mr W. J. Mitchell, S.M., for publication, through their counsel, Mr L. W. Brown, Q.C. Mr Brown said that the men considered it preferable to have their names published, otherwise speculation might arise about the nature of the charges.

Percy Samuel Boyce, of Bay View, Hawke’s Bay, had alleged that the three, with an officer of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, who did not appear in court, did, on or about February 24 and March 2, 1971. at the Auckland courthouse, submit perjured evidence with intent to obstruct and to abort justice, and at a further trial ended April 16, 1973. bribed and intimidated a jury to return an unjust verdict. The indictable charges were laid under section 116 of the Crimes Act, 1961. Fur-

ther charges were pending, Mr Boyce said. Mr Boyce said that he had evidence signed before a Justice of the Peace. He had communicated with the "secretary-general” about the information, but had not thought it wise to “show our hand by revealing this,” to the "secretary-general.” The "secretary . general” had said that he would like to see the evidence, but he was not adamant, said Mr Boyce. He then produced a letter.

The Magistrate adjourned the case until February 20, and asked Mr Boyce to settle any matters "in train” with the "secretary-general” before that date.