INFLUENCING A WITNESS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18017, 16 February 1922, Page 9

INFLUENCING A WITNESS.

ALLEGATION IN COURT.

" JkLVTTER FOR INVESTIGATION. Suggestions of an attempt to influence a witness were beard in the Snpieme Court yesterday, while a case was being taken before Mr. Justice Herdman. A charge of indecent assault was being beard A daughter-in-law of the accused man, appearing as j, Cr °wn witness hac just left the witness box when Ml. S- L- j Pat-rson, who was conducting the prose- . cution, said, " Rather a serious matter in connection with this case has jus come to my knowledge and asked tha she might return to the box He then proceeded to question her as Has any pressure been brought to bear on you in connection with this case todav ?—No , . Mas your husband been speaking to you about it to-day ?—No. His Honor: You want to be very career Paterson; You want to be very careful, for you were likely to be overheard. Are you sure your husband has not been telling you to give evidence that would favour his father .'—l am. i little later, when a constable was giving evidence, Mr. Paterson asked him if he had heard the husband of the woman speaking to her. , , ~ Mr Osbume Lilly, who was defending the accused, objected to the question. He said the allegation had been directiy denied by the woman. Ml'. Paterson was discrediting his own witness. His Honor asked Mr. Paterson how he justified the question. Mr. Paterson said it was such a serious matter that ho thought it should be before the Court. Rns Honor said that was so, but it could hardly be introduced there. Mr. Paterson had not treated the woman as a hostile witness. A little later His Honor said there did not appear to be anything to be done then in the matter. Other Steps would have to be taken. Mr. Paterson said it was a matter for investigation, and the incident dosed.