THEFT IN AN HOTEL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14146, 23 August 1909, Page 6

THEFT IN AN HOTEL.

"NOT SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE."

A middle-aged man named James Campbell pleaded not guilty in the Supreme Court on Saturday, before Mr. Justice Edwards, to a charge of theft from the Aurora Hotel. The Crown solicitor (the Hon. J. A. Tole, K.C.) prosecuted and the accused conducted his own defence. Robert Addison, labourer, said that he came from Waikino on June 5 and stayed at the Aurora Hotel. The accused occupied the next room. On the evening of Sunday, June 6, witness went out, leaving his vest, watch and chain and sovereign case, valued at over £20. He returned at about 10 o'clock and found that the property mentioned had disappeared. Accused: Had you not been drinking all day and been ordered out of the hotel Witness I was not ordered out. Accused : How many men did you take to your room on that day?— Jane Moros, wife of the licensee, said that on going to the top of the hotel stairs on the evening of June 6 she saw the accused leaving the previous witness' room with a vest in his hand. He went towards the lavatory and witness informed her husband. The accused went out a few minutes later. Accused: Did you order Addison and a woman to leave the house on that day'/ Witness: Yes. Detective Cox said that although all possible inquiry had been made, no trace of the property had been found. The accused did not give evidence. To the jury he totally denied ever having entered Addison's room. He said that on the night of the alleged theft there were seven other men sleeping on the same landing, and one of them was dressed like himself. His Honor said that if the jury decided that the accused was seen coming out of the room with a vest there could be little doubt that he was responsible for the theft, and he should be convicted. If, however, they thought there was a doubt as to whether he was the man seen by Mrs. Moros they should acquit him. The jury retired, but returned shortly after to interrogate the witnesses Addison and Mrs. Moros. Without again retiring they found that there was not sufficient evi° deuce to convict and returned a verdict of not guilty.