Refusal by witnesses
PA Auckland Two witnesses refused to give evidence in a drugs trial yesterday. Joy Kapua Bennett was sentenced by Mr Justice Sinclair to seven days in jail. His Honour also ordered that the second witness, Allan Middlehurst, be returned to prison to continue serving a nine-month sentence. The pair were the first witnesses to be called at the trial in the High Court at
Auckland of Harry Graham Ainscough, entertainment promoter. Ainscough, aged 32. has pleaded not guilty to a charge of importing cannabis into New Zealand with Middlehurst in October 1977. His Honour asked the Crown prosecutor, Mr M. Ruffin, to “draw the attention of the appropriate authorities to what has occurred” regarding the two witnesses.
• The trial then proceeded with evidence from the next witness. The Crown has alleged that Ainscough and Middlehurst in 1977 jointly imported cannabis with a street value of $50,000. The 3400 cannabis sticks were bought by Ainscough in Bangkok and concealed in two speakers, which were to be picked up by Middlehurst at Auckland "Airport, the Crown alleged.
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Press, 12 May 1981, Page 3
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178Refusal by witnesses Press, 12 May 1981, Page 3
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