CAR CONVERSION CASE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20072, 9 October 1928, Page 14

CAR CONVERSION CASE.

MAGISTRATE'S REHEARING. " ACCESSORY AFTER THE FACT." A rehearing of tho charge against James Russell, aged 26, baker, of unlawfully converting a motor-car to' his use on September 28 was held in the Police Court yesterday, when accused pleaded not guilty. On September 29 accused and his brother William Russell, similarly charged, were sentenced to three months' imprisonment; Contending that James Russell was innocent, Mr. Allan Moody secured a rehearing and brought fresh evidence yes terdav to support accused's story that he met his brother, who was driving tho car, and went for a ride with him. William Russell, at present seving his sentence, stated he stole the car and, seeing his brother, offered him a ride. When they were accosted later his brother was ignorant oven then of the fact that the car had been stolen. After hearing the evidence the magistrate, Mr. !■'. K. Hunt, said he believed James Russell was an accessory after the fact. He suggested to Senior-Sergeant Cummirigs that tho charge should lie amended. If that were done, be would fine, aecusfid £lO for being an accessory after the fact. Mr. Moody: 1 object to that, because I believe it. is most improper and contrary to British justice. Eventually it was agreed the case should be, adjourned until this morning, when ]\lr. C'urnmings wilt cite law on the question of amending the charge.