BURGLARY CHARGE FAILS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 445, 29 August 1928, Page 13

BURGLARY CHARGE FAILS

VISITOR WHO WANTED A WASH

(From Our Own Correspondent) HAMILTON, Tuesday

Three trials have been necessary to decide the innocence of George Albert Hedley Nixon, salesman, Auckland (Mr. J. J. Sullivan), who was charged with breaking and entering the Grand Hotel, Te Aroha, on February 25. At the final trial in the Supreme Court to-day he was found not guilty, and was discharged. The Crown solicitor, Mr. H. T. Gillies, said the prisoner found by the licensee in the hotel office early in the morning. He had in his possession a torch and file and keys. A struggle then ensued, and prisoner was arrested. Mr. Sullivan, for accused, said he was unable to find accommodation, and spent the evening with two friends. He slept in a railway carriage alone till four o’clock on the following morning. Expecting to find the porter up he went into the side entrance of the Grand Hotel. His feet were wet and he removed his boots at the bottom of the landing. Accused could explain his possession of the electric torch, rile and keys. He was there only to get a wash and a cup of tea. The case for the defence was that the accused was there on ordinary business, and with no criminal intent. Accused gave evidence in support of this statement