Fraud accused celebrated with jurors after acquittal

Malcolm Beattie had a few celebratory drinks last night with three of the jurors who acquitted him of defrauding the Auckland Helicopter and ChildFlight Trusts.

After announcing the verdict, some jurors crossed the High Court to hug and congratulate the defendants.

Mr Beattie's lawyer John Billington said that in all his years as a barrister, he has never seen that happen before.

He said that, and the fact the jury took just two and a half hours to acquit the men, shows how deeply its members felt.

- NEWSTALK ZB