MIS-TRIAL DECLARED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19989, 4 November 1927, Page 7

MIS-TRIAL DECLARED

FALL-SINCLAIR CASE Sequel to Charges of Tampering With Jurors NEW HEARING IN JANUARY. (By T«lerraph—Per Press Assn.—Copyright.) (A. & N.Z.) WASHINGTON, Nov. 2. Mr Justice Siddons declared a mistrial in the Fall-Sinclair case, and discharged the jury. Government counsel thereupon declared that they would immediately move for a retrial, which will probably be held in January.

Mr Justice Siddons made a short address when the Court opened, emphasising the gravity of the charges. He declared that counsel on both sides had unanimously agreed that the declaration of a mis-trial was the only possible solution. The Judge further stated that wide publicity had been given to the four affidavits mentioned yesterday, alleging jury tampering, and this furnished an additional reason for his decision. He also advised the juror Kidwell of the fact that two affidavits made charges involving him, which he was at liberty to examine.

Sinclair entered the court-room jauntily, smiling. Neither Sinclair nor Fall showed the slightest emotion at the decision.

Kidwell was detained when the other jurors left. He was pale and agitated. At first he refused to talk to the reporters, but later denied the statements attributed to him. Kidwell was called, within half an hour after the adjournment, before the Grand Jury, which was sitting in another room investigating the charges. The entire jury will testify before the Grand Jury. The spokesman told Government counsel that they left placed under a cloud and wanted vindication.

Counsel replied that the integrity of ten of their number was unquestioned, but disgraceful things had happened, and their help was needed.