VERDICT OF NOT GUILTY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23097, 23 July 1938, Page 11

VERDICT OF NOT GUILTY

CASE AGAINST TWO WOMEN ACQUITTAL AT SECOND TRIAL Two women, Margaret. Wilson, aged 53, widow, and Ruby Pearl Russell, aged 43, widow, appeared for trial in the Supreme Court before Mr. Justice Callan yesterday. The accused Wilson was charged with unlawfully using an instrument or other means to procure a certain result, and the accused Russell was charged with aiding, and abetting. It was alleged that the offence was committed at Auckland on February 1 on a girl aged 18 years. The accused were tried at the last session of the Supreme Court, but the jury then failed to agree on either charge and a new trial was ordered. Mr. R. Meredith, with Mr. N. I. Smith, conducted the prosecution. Mr. Goldstine appeared for the accused - Wilson and Mr. Noble for the accused . Russell. In the course of his summing up to the jury after the evidence had been heard. His Honor said the case against Bussell was not at all strong, but the case against Wilson was an entirely different matter, which merited the jurv's careful, honest and serious consideration. After a retirement of two and a-half' hours, the jury returned a verdict of " not guilty in both cases. The two accused were discharged. The accused Russell collapsed as she " left the dock and had to be assisted from the Court. 'J