ABRUPT END TO CASE.
NO EVIDENCE FOR CROWN.
SURPRISE FOR THE JURY.
[B7 TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] NEW PLYMOUTH, Friday. A case lasting exactly two and a-half minutes was/heard in the Supreme Court to-day. The case was one in which Patrick Francis Keenan was indicted on charges of breaking and entering a shed at the New Plymouth racecourse and stealing a case of benzine valued at 16s, the property of the Jockey Club, and with Receiving goods knowing them to have been stolen. He pleaded not guilty. For the Crown Mr. C. H. Weston decided to call no (fvidcnce. To all appearances the jury expected a long sitting. Members, after being empanelled, hung up their, coats and settled down in their places for the trial. They had hardly settled down when Mr. Justice MacGregor directed the jury to return a verdict of not guilty. His Honor smiled as he remarked, '"The Crown has decided not to call any evidence. It is my duty to direct you (o return a verdict of not guilty. Will you kindly let, me know what vour verdict is?"
I The jury was surprised, but. gave the verdict as' directed, and was discharged.
Keenan was remanded for sentence on other charges.
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Bibliographic details
New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20426, 30 November 1929, Page 15
Word Count
204ABRUPT END TO CASE. New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20426, 30 November 1929, Page 15
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