PERJURY ALLEGED

Evening Star, Issue 21640, 8 February 1934, Page 11

PERJURY ALLEGED

CHARGES AGAINST INQUIRY AGENT FABRICATION OF DIVORCE EVIDENCE [Pee United Psbss Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, February 8. lu the Supremo Court Jolm Black Batchelor, solicitor’s agent, appeared to answer charges of perjury, attemptting to pervert the course of justice, and fabricating evidence, seven charges in all. The Crown Prosecutor said the accused was a private inquiry agent, and got. his living by obtaining evidence of adultery for divorce cases, and similar tasks. The charges against him were grave, as they concerned offences which threatened the course of justice. “The Crown case,” said the prosecutor, “is that the accused was a trader in perjury and the fabrication of evidence.” Accused attempted to pervert the course of justice by submitting fabricated evidence to enable a petitioner in a divorce case to get a divorce to which he was not entitled. The Crown ■ Prosecutor said that, after accused had been arrested on the first four charges and released on bail, ho allegedly committed three further offences. He threatened a woman witness, Mrs Dixon, in order to persuade her not to give evidence against him. He offered her a £lO bribe, and by the threats and the bribe caused her to make a false declaration. Counsel detailed the circumstances leading up to the offences, arising from a separation agreement between Cyril' and Isobel Dixon. Counsel added: “The accused acted meanly. He entered into a conspiracy with two of his employees to manufacture false evidence against Mrs Dixon.” The case is proceeding.