PINET NOT GUILTY OF KILLING GIRL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18972, 20 January 1930, Page 1

PINET NOT GUILTY OF KILLING GIRL.

MISS OLIVE BRANSON COMMITTED SUICIDE. (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) PARIS, January 18. “She killed herself. What else can 1 say.” This was the reply of Francois Pinet to questions during a cross-ex-amination at the opening of the trial in Aix-en-Provence. He is charged with murdering Olive Branson. The old world courthouse was crowded with people apparently hostile tc the prisoner who, despite nine months, spent in prison awaiting trial, was almost dapper, though evidently anxious. Numerous- stormy passages between the prosecution and the defence de ; layed the proceedings. Pinet kept a strong hold on himself, replying to the president’s questions adroitly, and appearing satisfied with his ability to dodge the most pointed interrogations by the assertion that Miss Branson committed suicide. “Pinet, you were the woman’s lover,” said the Judge. The prisoner bowed his head. “Also her legal heir. What have you to say?” demanded'the Judge. “She killed herself,” was the accused’s answer. Three doctors out of four expressed the opinion that it would have been impossible for Miss Branson to commit suicide. The trial ended with the jury finding Pinet not guilty. The decision was cheered by the crowded Court. Pinet received his acquittal in the calm manner that he had maintained throughout. The defence emphasised the factors pointing to suicide. Miss Branson’s ruling ,passions were her love for Pinet and her love for painting the wild beauty of a w r ood in the district known as the Valley of Hell. On the day of her death she had received notification of the Academy’s rejection of one of her paintings. She quarrelled with Pinet.

Sensational developments were expected in connection with the death of Miss Olive Branson, a cousin of Sir George Branson, a Judge of the High Court, said a message from London on May 4, J 929. Her body was found in a water tank near the villa where she lived at Lesbaux. The police at first concluded that it was a case of suicide, but a post .mortem revealed a bullet in the head and bloodstains were found in Miss Branson’s bedroom. It was argued. that deceased could not have shot herself and walked twenty yards to a tank in her stockinged feet and nightdress. On May 6 it was cabled that a detective said he could lay hands on the murderer.at any time. The persons concerned knew Miss Branson’s habits well and knew her four watchdogs. It was revealed that Miss Branson had a romantic marriage with a Captain Wilson in 1918. The couple met during a German air raid at a British base camp in 1917. Captain Wilson divorced her in 1927, after an unhappy married life and a long separation, due to Miss Branson’s eccentricities. Francois Pinet was arrested on May 9.