ALLEGED THEFT

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 140, 15 June 1928, Page 8

ALLEGED THEFT

« SENSATIONAL SEQUEL CASE TO BE BECONSIDERED (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, 14th June. A sensational incidont occurred in the Magistrate's Court to-day, when Guy Carney, aged 23, an American seaman, was charged with stealing two coats, belonging to Thomas W. Fulford. The. thoft was alleged to havo been committed at Fulford's flat, to which he had invited accused one night a week ago. The accused stated that Fulford remarked on the chilliness of the night, and said- if witness would accept his invitation to his flat he would give him two coats, which would be warmer. While he was there Fulford made certain suggestions. Resenting this, Carney said, he threatened to "smack" Fulford. When witness left he took with him the coats as well as 11s in cash, which he said was put into his haud by Fulford. "Here is a man trying to blacken the character of another," said the Magistrate (Mr. F. K. Hunt). "Here is a man making vile and filthy suggestions and asking this Court to believe them. This sort of thing is abominable. The accused will be sentenced to six months' imprisonment with hard, labour." Later, a young man who was in Court made a statement to the police. When acquainted of the spectator's statements, the Magistrate ordered the accused to be brought back. He also heard the evidence of the new witness, who said: "I recognised that young man Fulford when I first saw him in Court this morning, and when I heard Carney get six months I just had to say what 1 knew. Fulford came up to me once and took me for a drive in his car to the Domain, where he mado certain suggestions to me. I told him to 'Cut it out,' and left him when I got to town." Witness detailed the incidents he alleged happened in the car. While the witness was giving evidence, Fulford said: "I have never seen this man in my life before." The Magistrate: "I am surprised. This puts a now complexion on things. Fortunately,.l have not entered up my decision in the record book, and after hearing this new evidence I am not prepared ,to lot that .sentonco stand. I will repeal it, and will remand accused to onablo the police to mako inquiries into these very grave allegations." Accordingly accused was remandod to appoar to-morrow, when the question as to whether he should havo his liberty during the week's remand which was granted will be decided.