Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954), Wednesday 4 March 1942, page 3


Adelaide police CHARGES AGAINGS EX-M.P. DISMISSED

Prosecution Witnesses Refuse To Answer Before Mr. Clarthe SM:-

During the hearing yesterday of four chances against Albert Augustine Ed- wards. licensee of the Black Lion Hotel. Hindmarsh of having committed acts of

gross indecency with two other male per- sons, the chief witnesses for the prose- cution refused to answer questions on the ground that it might incriminate them. This led to the dismissal of the information. When he was recently remanded there were only two charges against Edwards and the offences were alleged to have been committed at the Black Lion Hotel in September and October last against Clifton Carling. New charges were that he had committed similar offences at the hotel on January 22 and 22 against Carlings brother. Derrick Carling The Assistant Crown Prosecutor 'Mr. Pickering handed a Governor's pardon to both the witnesses. When he examined Clifton Carling, soldier, of Malvern. Victoria, most of his questions met with a flat denial or were not an-swered, the witness saying thai his re-plies might incriminate him Mr Pickering—l suggest to you that somebody has persuaded you to change the story you told to Detective Grow? Witness—They have not. Was it your idea to change tehe story you told him?—l was torced - I refuse to answer. You said something about belng forced. That wasn't relating to Edwards was it? -No. Whom do you say forced you? - Detec- tive Grow. He put the thtrd degree over you did he? -Yes. Mr Eric Millhouse .who mtl Mr Harry Alderman appeared for defendants -Did he use any force wwards you?— Yes. And was it as a result or thai tnat you made a statement to the detective? That is correct. Derrick Carling, laborer, of Alfred street. Norwood also refused to answer questions Called by the prosecutor. Constable B R Harvey said that a statement (pro- duced) was made voluntarily, and signed by Derrick Carling at the City Watch house. At Ihis Mr Pickering intimated that in view of the fact that his two

principal witnesses had gone back on their evidence, be had no further evi-dence inculpating defendant. The other evidence which he had was insufficient to make out a prima facie case on any of the four counts. He therefore, would tender no further evidence. Mr Clarke—ln my opinion there is not sufficient evidence to put defendant on his trial on any of the four counts. The Information will be dismissed.