‘Frame-up,’ says defendant

Press, 27 October 1982, Page 4

‘Frame-up,’ says defendant

A "frame-up" was the only explanation a tool maker could give for his appearance in the District Court yesterday. Paul Martin Carroll, aged 23 (Mr I. D. Scott), denied stealing a Mark II Ford Cortina valued at $2lOO and an alternative charge of receiving.

Judge Willis dismissed the theft charge, but will continue hearings.evidence on the second charge today. A car bonnet, two bumpers and radiator grille were among exhibits that the police produced to back their contention that Carroll helped to strip the car, taken from, a car sales yard on May 5, and added some parts to his own car before selling it. A youth already convicted on a theft charge. Stuart

George Hines, aged 18, testified that the defendant had helped to strip the car on May 8. He worked with Carroll who had also supplied the tools and the garage where the car had been hidden. The defendant said he had no idea why he was accused of stripping the car. Hines had only sold him a front bumper and chrome trim, saying the parts came from a friend’s damaged Cortina.

He had been looking after the garage, but Hines must have taken the garage keys from his work locker, said Carroll.

Mr Scott called two other witnesses to support Carroll’s account of his movements on May 8 and the purchase of car parts from Hines.