AUCKLAND SUPREME COURT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14301, 22 February 1910, Page 7

AUCKLAND SUPREME COURT.

ACCUSED ACQUITTED.

The criminal sittings of the Auckland Supreme Court were continued yesterday before Mr. Justice Edwards. The Hon. J. A. Tole, K.C., prosecuted for the Crown.

Mary Haesall, a young woman, was charged with having, on September 27, 1909, unlawfully used an instrument on herself. She pleaded not guilty, and was defended by Mr. W. E. Hackett. The Court was cleared during the hearing of the case. After evidence had been heard, Mr. Hackett addressed the jury at some length, contending that the instrument was used for a perfectly innocent reason. His Honor, in the course of his summing up, pointed out to the jury that the sole evidenco against the accused was that the instrument she was alleged to have used was found in her possession. The jury were out for less than 10 minutes, and returned with a verdict of not guilty. .

JURY FAIL TO AGREE. Martha Jane Maxwell was charged with having unlawfully used an instrument on a young woman for the purpose of performing an illegal operation. She pleaded not guilty. Mr. R. A. Singer, with Mr. J. R. Lundon, appeared for the defence. The Court was cleared during the hearing of the case. - The jury retired at 5.50. and returned at 10.25 p.m., and dated that they were 'unable to agree. ( Mr. Tole applied for a new trial, which was granted. , _______ -