SUSPICIOUS CASE.

Grey River Argus, 11 February 1929, Page 5

SUSPICIOUS CASE.

Man and Girl. THEFT CHARGE DISMISSED. PALMERSTON N„ Feb. 9. “This is more like the evidence of an accomplice than anything else in a civil action. I wouldn’t accept the girl’s statement as evidence of ■ repayment,” said Mr Stout, S.M., in dismissing. a charge of theft against James Leslie, of Woodville, after evidence had been heard. The accused was charged that he received £2 10s under conditions requiring Him to account for the same to Yates’’ Cash Store, but he failed to do so, 'thus committing theft. The case had been partially heard yesterday, and adjourned to enable a former girl clerk at Yates’s Woodville store to give evidence. The accused had contended that he bad paid in a cheque to the firm’s account fqr tea. which he at first purchased from the firm’s money, but, realising that he had no right to do this, he acquired the tea on his own behalf. Doris May Gawith, the former clerk, stated that Leslie had paid in cheque. Cash dockets were not kept, witness destroying them. Under > erbbs-examination, the girl Gawith admitted staying with the accused at hotels as man and wife, and also admitted receiving presents from him. r Accused got the 'benefit of 'the doubt. th e Magistrate dismissing the charge, but adding that the evidence would justify grave suspicion that evidence had been destroyed by this pair, who not only were working together, but living together.