DRAMATIC TURN.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20391, 23 August 1934, Page 9

DRAMATIC TURN.

Convict Denies Statement to Police. SEQUEL TO ASSAULT. Per 'Press Association. HAMILTiDN, August 23. There was a dramatic turn in the case to-day in which John Leslie Florance faced several charges in the Supreme Court. They included one concerning a violent attack on a storekeeper at Tirau and several breaking and entering chrges. The accused was arrested at Sydney, and his alleged companion, George Edward Morton, was arrested prior to that date and made a statement in which he stated that the accused was his companion in the affair. To-day Morton, w f ho is at present serving a sentence for participation in the offences, said that he did jjot know Florance and the statement made to the police was untrue. His Honor, addressing Morton, said: “In . evidence which you gave before magistrates you said that Florance was your companion. Was that true or false? Morton: It was false. I invite you to be careful for you might be prosecuted for perjury.—I said that Florance was my companion because I thought he was going to Sydney. Mr Gillies then re-read Morton’s statement and reminded witness that perjury was punishable by imprisonment. He pointed out that the lower Court evidence was given after witness knew that Florance had returned from Australia. His Honor (to Morton) : Every statement you made was untrue? Yes. Then who was with you?—l am not prepared to say. Why ?—I am not going to give the man away. His Honor: Where did you drop your companion on coming back from Tirau?—At Cambridge. Do you know his name?—Yes. And you refuse to give it?—Yes. Mr Gillie: What made you give this dreadful evidence against Florance then?—l made a statement to the police and did not think I could change it. Before you came into Court, were you in the same cell as Florance?— And Finance did not put you up to making these statements?—No. The case is proceeding.