“PYJAMA GIRL” CASE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25566, 20 June 1944, Page 6

“PYJAMA GIRL” CASE

TRIAL OF- AGOSTINI (Rec. 1 a.m.) MELBOURNE, June 19. A statement that Antonio Agostini had not made his alleged confession voluntarily concerning the death of his wife, the “ pyjama girl,” was made to-day by Mr Fazio, counsel for Agostini, whose trial on a charge of wife murder began before Mr Justice Lowe in the Supreme Court to-day. Mr Fazio challenged the admissibility of the alleged confession as evidence. The trial follows the committal of Agostini by the coroner after an inquest lasting several weeks. After argument the judge ruled that the statement had been made voluntarily and it would be admissible. Argument took place in the absence of the jury, when Police Commissioner Mackay also gave evidence and Mr Cussen, the Crown Prosecutor, produced a letter which he said had been written by Agostini to Mr Mackay expressing thanks and gratitude for the kindnesses so generously given and also the deep understanding. The letter added: “Ever since I spoke to you I realise how great has been my mistake in not having done the right thing immediately, when the matter could have been so easily cleared.”