CROUCH'S ARREST

Hokitika Guardian, 3 October 1929, Page 6

CROUCH'S ARREST

TEXAS FRAUD CHARGES. i.By Telegraph—Press Association). AUCKLAND, October 2. Air G. P. Finlay made an eloquent plea when he asked that bail be allowed his client.

! “Now /that the furore lias died down, is there a. possibility of this man being allowed bail, and bis liberty?’’ said counsel. “Even assuming be is the man, facts are eloquent in bis favour. He is a definite fixture in Helensville, where be lias resided for tbe past 12 years. Accused lias considerable property and has the' reputation for being reliable and honest, while bis probity is an example. 1 have here a petition from a number ef substantial residents of Helensville, while there are in the Court room at 'present, representatives of the Real Estate Association, who will say that my client is - a man of unquestionable integrity. In this case, wc are not expected to do any moi e than we would do with one of our own citizens. I don’t want to see this man victimised. If he was arrested for forgery on one of our own domestic warrants, he would in natural course bo entitled to bail. Mr Finlay referred to the “flamboyant publicity” which accused had oot in the newspapers. "Mr V. R. Meredith, after asking that accused be remanded until October 9th opposed the granting of bail. He added that he had listened to what Mr Finlay had said. “It is quite true that this man has acquired a reputation in Helensville,” lie said, “but T would like to point out that in America some years ago lie was an ardent supporter of Ins church, so it is not surprising that lie should earn the same reputation here. This is not an ordinary case of a man arrested on a forgery charge. Crouch is under arrest under the “Fugitive Offenders’ Act.” for Hu offence which, it- is alleged, was committed in a foroi«r„ country. Crouch was identified thirteen veal's e cm, .hut he was not apprehended. The world was very wide, and now that Crouch had accumulated property and money an opportunity of getting- away presented itself.” Counsel pointed out that the-prac-tice in extradition cases was not to grant bail.