NOT GUILTY

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 108, 9 May 1930, Page 15

NOT GUILTY

THEFT CHARGES. FAIL

EX-CONSTABLE'S LOVE AFFAIR

(By Teletrrnph.-I'ress Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, Bth May.

The trial of an ex-constable, Joseph Reginald Wilson, on charges of theft from various Christchurch shops, .concluded in the Supreme Court to-day.

Gladys Myrtle Johanscn said that she had been engaged to Wilaon. The engagement was broken off, and there was a quarrel. She or her mother threatened to go to the superintendent about Wilson. He brought a coat, saying that it was a wedding present. She bought the coat from him for £15. He did not say where he got it. Ho gave her the frocks and the box of cutlery exhibited in court. She told Detective-Sergeant Young that Wilson had not given her shoes or jewellery. She did not tell the detective about -the coat aud other gifts from Wilson. Inspector Fitzpatrick, of Greymouth, said that on 17th March lie saw the accused at Auckland ami showed -him the coat aud frocks. Wilson denied having given Miss Johausen the articles. Witness examined the accused's place of residence, aud discovered there a motor-tire lever sharpened. The jury returned after one hour announcing that they were unable to agree. His Honour informed them that he was unable -to accept disagreement until they bad been in retirement for four hours. Later the jury returned with a verdict of not guilty on all counts.