SUPRISE IN COURT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 16 June 1928, Page 5

SUPRISE IN COURT.

CASE TAKES UNUSUAL TURN. SENSATIONAL ALLEGATIONS MADE. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, June 14. A remarkable incident occurred in the Police Court when Guy Carney, an American seaman, was charged with stealing two coats belonging to Thomas \V. EuliOrd. The theft was alleged to have been committed at Fulford’s flat, to which he had invited accused one night a week ago. Accused stated that Fulford remarked on the chilliness of the night and said that if witness would accept his invitation to his flat he would give him two coats which would be warmer. While he was there, Fulford made suggestions. JResenting this, . Carney said he threatened, to “smack” Fulford. When witness left he took with him, the coats as well as eleven shillings in cash, which he said was put into his hand by Fulford. “Here is a man trying to blacken the character of another,” said the Magistrate (Mr. F. K. Hunt). “Here is a man making vile and filthy suggestions and asking the Court to believe them. This sort of thing is abominable. Accused will be sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with hard lbaour.”

Later, a young man who was in Court, made a statement to the police, and when acquainted of the spectator's statement, the Magistrate ordered accused to be brought back. He also heard the evidence of the new witness, who said: “I recognised that young man Ful ord when I first saw him in Court this morning, and when I heard Carney get six months I just had to say what I knew. Fulford came up to me once and took me for a drive in Ins ear to the Domain, where he made suggestions to me. I to'ld him to cut it out, and left him when I got to town.” Witness detailed incidents he alleged happened in the car. While the witness was giving evidence, Fulford said: “I have ; never seen this man in my life before.” The i Magistrate: “I am surprised. This puts a new complexion on things. Fortunately. I have not entered up my decision in the record book, and after hearing this new evidence I am not prepared to let that sentence stand. I will repeal it and remand accused to enable the police to make inquiries into these very grave allegations. Accordingly accused was remanded to appear to-morrow, when the question whether he should have his liberty during his week’s remand, winch was granted, will be decided.