Woman collapses in court
PA Auckland A woman accused in a murder trial collapsed and had to be carried from the courtroom yesterday when she was found not guilty of the murder of her de facto husband.
In the Supreme Court at Auckland, Georgina Paterson, aged 37, of Glen Eden, was also found not guilty on a lesser charge of manslaughter. After the jury’s verdict, which was reached after an hour’s retirement, Mr Justice Thorp discharged her. As the verdict was announced, Mrs Paterson fainted and had to be carried from the court. But she quickly, recovered. The Crown had alleged that Mrs Paterson murdered John Avotins, also known as John Marshall, on January 29, by striking him over the head with an ashtray in the bedroom of her fiat. She pleaded not guilty. Mrs Paterson denied that she had intended to kill Mr Avotins and said that she had only struck him in selfdefence. She said in evidence that Mr Avotins had pounced on her. Mr E. R. Winkel and Mr P. J. Kaye appeared for the Crown in the three-day trial. Mr M. D. Robinson appeared for Mrs Paterson.
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Press, 14 June 1979, Page 3
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191Woman collapses in court Press, 14 June 1979, Page 3
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