NEW EVIDENCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 168, 15 June 1928, Page 10

NEW EVIDENCE.

UNEXPECTED WITNESS.

SENSATIONAL INCIDENT.

Per Press Association

AUCKLAND, June 14. A sensational incident occurred in the Magistrate’s Court to-day, when Guy Carney aged 23, an American seaman, was charged with stealing two fur coats belonging to Thomas W. I‘ulford. 1 lie theft was alleged to have been committed at Fulford’s fiat, to which he had invited accused one night a week ago. Accused staled that f ill ford, remarked on the chilliness of the night, and said that if accused would accept his invitation to his flat ho would give him two coats, which would be warmer. While he was there Fulford made certain suggestions. Resenting this, Garner said, ho threatened to “smack” Fulford. When ho left lie took with him the coats as well as 11s in cash, which lie said was put into his hand by Fulford. ” “Here is a man trying to blacken the character of another,” said the Magistrate, Air F. Iv. Hunt. “Here is a man making vile and filthy suggestions and asking this court to believe them. This sort of thing is abominable. Accused will be sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with hard labour.”. Later, a young man who was in court made a statement to the police. When acquainted of the spectator’s statements, the Magistrate ordered accused to be brought back. He also heard the evidence of the new witness, who said: “J. recognised that young man Fulford when 1 first saw him in court this morning, anil when 1 heard Carney get six months 1 just had to say what I knew. Fulford came up to mo once and took mo for a drive in Ids car to the Domain, where ho madevcertain suggestions to mo. 1 told him tie ‘Cut it out,’ and left him when I got to town.” Witness detailed the incidents that he alleged happened in tho car. While the witness was giving evidence, Fulford said: “1 have never seen this man in my life before.” The Magistrate: J. am surprised. This puts a new complexion, on things. Forinnately, 1 have not entered up my uecision in the record book, and after hearing this new evidence I am not prepared to let that sentence stand. I will repeal it, and will 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 as to whether be should have bis liberty during the week’s rentand which was granted will be decided.