CHARGE OF THEFT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22326, 28 July 1934, Page 15

CHARGE OF THEFT

VERDICT OF NOT GUILTY • JUDGE’S POINTED COMMENT. (Peb United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, July 27. In the Supreme Court, George Alexander Low, a porter, pleaded not guilty to a charge of the theft of five rings and a necklace, the property of Mts Beryl Stedman., The rings were stolen from the residence of Captain and Mrs Stedman by three married women during a party on the night of February 28. The women had pleaded that they were under the influence of liquor. Their story was that some time after'the party they gathered the jewellery and that Low offered to post it to Mrs Stedman. The three women were convicted of theft in the Magistrate’s Court.

Evidence was given that the jewellery was wrapped up in a tobacco tin and given to Low, who undertook to post it to Mrs Stedman. In a statement to the police, the accused adpiitted having received the rings, but maintained that he posted the parcel.

The jury returned a verdict of not guilty. “ I can quite understand the difficulty of the jury, but it is just as well they do not know as much as you and I know,” said his Honor, looking towards Low. “ You are discharged.”