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Jury Fails to Agree in Gloucester Theatre Fire Trial
After an eight hour retirement the foreman said the jury could not reach a verdict in the Albert Auguste Smith case. Smith, charged with maliciously setting fire to the Star Theatre in Gloucester on November 22 1984, faces a new trial after two days of legal argument. Key witnesses described a planned arson involving benzine filled boxes and discussions about burning the theatre to aid the nearby rival venue. The widow Evelyn Boustead testified about her late husband and ownership of the theatre, while investigators reported finding arson materials and a police interview with Smith. The judge ordered a fresh trial with Smith remanded on his own recognizance of £150 and required to report weekly.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Albert Auguste Smith
Star Theatre
Gloucester
Clancy
Smith
Evelyn Rousteld
Bikek
Tere
Albert Augusta Smith
Glouceste
Star ‘Theatre
H. J. Studdert
S. Borthwick
Dungog
Vernon Treatt
Crown Prosecutor
Tréiya Lucinda Georgina Bousiend
van Pahy
Munday
Crouch
Munda
Gonrtt
Constable Crotch
Jaled
Jobin Erpel
J. Staddert
Frpel
Erpel
Mr. Treatt
Rameo Haddon
Crown Proseuter
Meney
Mr. Studdert
Haddon