JUDGE AND JURY

Greymouth Evening Star, 30 May 1914, Page 6

JUDGE AND JURY

AN ILLOGICAL VERDICT. BT rELEGK*.PH —PER FBKSS ASSOCIATION WANGANUI, May 29. At the Suprejru Court to-day a young man named Austin Henry Bruen stood his trial for the second time on charges of (1) attempting to carnally know a gill under 16 years, (2) indecent assault, and (3) common assault. After three hours' retirement the jury returned with the following verdict: "Not guilty of' carnal knowledge, not guilty of indecent aswut, and guilty of common assault. Mr Justice Edwards declined to accept the verdict on the ground that it was illogical. Ihe jury retired for three-quarters cf an hour, when they returned with the following verdict: "Not guilty on the first count; disagreed on the second count; and guilty on the third, with ,i recommendation to mercy." The judge again declined to accent such a verdict. The jury once more retired, and after a quarter "of an hour returned with a verdict of not guilty on all counts. Mr Justice Edwcrds, addressing Brucn. said: "The jury lias disbelieved yorr own statements made on oath. I recommend you to be more careful, for you may not find another jury that will disbelieve von."

The prisoner and the jury were then discharged The prisoner, addressing the jury, said : "Gentlemen, I thank you." Justice Edwards- "Prisoner at the bar. you are fined £5 for contempt of court." Prisoner's counsel pleaded for a remission of the fine, but the judge ordered payment forthwith, and promised to hear counsel next morning.