CONVICTION QUASHED.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18641, 20 May 1932, Page 8

CONVICTION QUASHED.

COLONEL CAMPBELL’S CASE STATE’S APPEAL FAILS. DECISION OF THE HIGH COURT. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. SYDNEY, May 19. The Full Court of New South Wales to-day dismissed the appeal by the Crown in the case of Colonel Eric Campbell, leader of the -New Guard, arising out of a speech made by him in which he scathingly criticised the ex-Premier, Mr Lang, who was not present on that occasion. A magistrate convicted Colonel Campbell of using insulting words. Certain policemen stated in evidence that the words used by defendant were insulting to them. Colonel Campbell appealed and the conviction was upset. The Crown thereupon appealed to the Full Court, the rhjcision of which was given today. The Chief Justice, in delivering the judgment of the Court, said the statute was not meant to punish persons for using words calculated to insult persons who were not present, or uttered where there were no persons present closely connected, with the person said lo have been insulted. The appeal, therefore, was dismissed. The decision is regarded as most important in legal circles. £ The statement complained of in the charge against Colonel Eric Campbell included the following references to Mr Lang: “A nasty tyrant and a scoundrel," “ a buffoon at the head of affairs,” and “ the hated old man of Ihe sea.’ ’ On February 2 Colonel Campbell was fined £2 or five days’ imprisonment.