EXCITEMENT IN COURT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 12 March 1926, Page 5

EXCITEMENT IN COURT.

BARONESS ACQUITTED OF THEFT CHARGE.

BY CABLE—PBESS ASSOCIATION —COPYBIGHT LONDON, March 10.

Baroness Ostensacken, a Russian, was acquitted on a charge of stealing a miniature valued at £SOO from Sir Archibald Hamilton’s home at Selsey. She indignantly denied that she committed theft, stating that Sir Archibald presented the miniature to lier. The judge, summing up, declared it was unpleasant to have to try a woman of good character and personal attraction. . When the jury returned its verdict the baroness was overcome with joy. She ran from one end of the dock to the other, and then ran away from the wardress and rushed to the jury box, where with .animation she thanked the jurors in French. Her husband ran towards her and embraced her, while French witnesses practically carried her out of the court, where she was joined by lady friends, who Pushed excitedly down the corridor, all laughing hysterically.

A curious story was told to the magistrate when the baron and baroness were originally charged with the theft. It was alleged that accused had been the guests of Sir Archibald at tea. Their host showed them his art collection, and after they had left the miniature was missed. The couple, were arrested on alighting from the boat train at Southampton. The miniature was found in the possession of the baroness, who is <lescribed as a charming woman. She alleged that Avben she was looking over the collection she- admired the miniature, whereupon Sir Archibald asked; ‘‘You rea'ly like, it, baroness?” He then thrust it into her hand, saying. ‘‘Then it is yours.” Sir Archibald deni’ed this story. He said he .might have been a. Don Juan in his youth, but he was older and wiser now. . _ - The baron was acquitted, hut the baroness was committed for trial.