NOT GUILTY

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 193, 10 May 1924, Page 7

NOT GUILTY

ALLEGED ENTERING, AND THEFT. A young man, Harry Alexander Murcott, ’ was found not guilty in the Supreme Court yesterday of breaking and entering the premises of Picot Bros., Thorndon Quay, in March last, and stealing motor tires and eggs of a total value of .£65. Mr. Justice Chapman presided, Mr. P. 8. Macassey appeared for the Crown, and Mr. J. F. B. Stevenson for accused, who pleaded not guilty. Mr. Alacassey said that two men bad made some arrangement to get motor tires, and one of them, Roy William Spencer, who had since been convicted, required somebody to help him, and saw the accused. Aluueotlt had suggested to Spencer to break the window, and had also assisted to get the tires on to the lorry which bad been used for tile purpose of carrying the goods away. Mr. Stevenson unged that tho. young man bad been used as a dupe. The evidence of accomplices must always Ixi looked at with the gravest doubt. Spencer had had his folly sheeted home to him, and mo doubt was desirous of giving the police every assistance. MurGott had never received a penny out of the affair, and never even expected it. The evidence proved conclusively that the young 'man had acted honestly believing ho was merely assisting in an innocent act. , Tn summing up. Ills Honour said that the principal question for the jury to decide was whether Murcqtt dishonestly or knowinglv took part in the affair. The yury ' return'll with a vuSJ net of not guilty on both counts, after a retirement of 15 minutes, and prisoner was discharged.