The Brisbane Courier - Thursday, May 2, 1895

The hearing of the case against Oscar Wilde and Taylor was resumed to-day, when the charge of conspiracy was withdrawn, but the charge of misdemeanour is being proceeded with.

Mr. Wilde went into the witness-box, and denied everything that had been charged against him, alleging that he himself was the victim of blackmail.

Taylor, who also gave evidence, swore that he was absolutely innocent of the charges made against him.

Sir Edward Clarke, Q.C., who appeared for the defence, addressed the jury in an eloquent speech, and claimed an acquittal for the accused on the ground that the chief witness for the Crown was tainted.

The court adjourned at the close of Sir Edward Clarke's address, and the Judge will sum up to-morrow.

Manawatu Herald - Saturday, May 4, 1895

The charges of conspiracy against Oscar Wilde and Taylor have been withdrawn, leaving only those of misdemeanour.

Wilde is not in the witness box. He denies everything, and represents himself as the victim of blackmail.

Taylor swore that he was absolutely innocent of the charge brought against him.

Sir Edward Clarke, counsel of the accused, made an eloquent address to the jury, in which he claimed an acquittal on the ground that the chief witness for the prosecution was a man of questionable reputation.

The jury in Wilde and Taylor's case disagreed, and were discharged. Bail was refused the accused.

The summing up of the Judge, Sir Arthur Charles, was in favour of the prisoners Wilde and Taylor, and His Honor emphasised the fact that several of the witnesses for the prosecution were undoubted blackmailers.

Highlighted DifferencesNot significantly similar