LOSS OF A RING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22716, 31 October 1935, Page 6

LOSS OF A RING

TRIAL OF VERONICA POPE ACCUSED FOUND GUILTY (Peb United Press Association) AUCKLAND, October 30. The trial of Veronica Pope for the; theft of a ring was resumed this morning. Oriel Marion Pope, a sister, corroborated the accused's evidence that a boy called for a letter and witness handed it to him. Roy Edgar Lionel Scott said he heard a conversation with the accused outside a shop. A woman was inquiring for Mrs Stott, and there was some mention of a ring. ... >■ •:.: Addressing the jury, Mr Sullivan said there was not a shadow of evidence that the accused stole the ring. Mr Hubble (Crown Prosecutor) suggested there was a motive for the theft, as the accused, was expecting a bailiff to call in connection with a distress warrant. Mr Justice Callan, concluding his summing up, said the key to the case was: Could the jury, or could they not, accepted the belated story that had been told by the accused and her witnesses in the court yesterday and to-day. The accused was convicted on both counts —namely, the theft of a ring valued at £SO and the theft of £5, which had been obtained to pay the reward. In returning its verdict, the jury strongly recommended mercy. The accused was remanded for sentence.