A PRISONER DISCHARGED.
At the Supreme Court, yesterday Wilson Stuart Adams, who was found not guilty on a charge of arson on. the previous day, was further charged, before Mr. Justice Edwards and a jury, with having carnally known a girl under the age of 16.
The Crown solicitor (Hon. J. A. Tole) prosecuted, and Mr. J. R. Lundon defended. Accused entered a plea of " not guilty." The case was heard with closed doors. Evidence was given by a Maori girl, aged 13, and after her cross-examination His Honor asked Mr. Tole if he had any evidence to produce beyond that which appeared in the depositions. Mr. Tole: No, Your Honor.
His Honor: Well, I may as well say now what I should have to say in two or three days' time, that is that I don't think it reasonable for the jury to convict upon the evidence available.
After consulting briefly the jury returned a verdict of "not guilty." His Honor: Prisoner at the bar, I stopped the case when I did for the reason stated. Yon are not, however, to take that as a certificate of character from me. Some people might think it so, but I consider your conduct scandalous and disgraceful. You are discharged.
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New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14145, 21 August 1909, Page 5
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208A PRISONER DISCHARGED. New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14145, 21 August 1909, Page 5
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