Nelson Evening Mail,  21 July 1879; DISTRICT COURT; Mr Adams addressed the jury, Mr Burny commented upon the doubtful nature of the evidence. Peacock the prosecutor, had received a cheque out of which he had made certain payments and then put a sum of money, he had not the least idea how much, as he never counted it, in the pocket of a pair of trousers hanging up in his dressing room, which was open not only to the other operators, but to his friends, who were frequently in and out. The only evidence of the prisoner having been there was that given by Halliday, who said that he went to the room, but was only absent half a minute, in which time he was supposed to have gone into the room, searched the clothes hanging up there, found the missing money, and walked off with it. The evidence for the prosecution also went to show that there was a window through which the trowsers might have been reached from outside and the money abstracted. So far the evidence was of a most trivial character. Then came the offer of the compromise. This would be damaging to the prisoner but for the surrounding circumstances. Called into Mr Tucker's (the manager's) room he was suddenly told that the money had been traced to him, and it was suggested that he should make some compromise. It was a weak thing for him to do, but it should be remembered that he had a wife and three children to provide for, and no doubt the thought of these influenced him in what he did. Abruptly told that the money had been traced to him, and seeing that, if there was any even circumstantial evidenca of this, he must lose his situation, he agreed to make a compromise if he could possibly raise the money elsewhere. He failed in doing this, and then found what a false position he had placed himself in by too ready a compliance with the suggestion made to him. Then with regard to the notes he was said to have had in his possession. It turned out upon cross-examination that neither of the witnesses were prepared to swear that they were notes they saw in his hand. They believed them to be, but could not be positive on the subject. Mr Bunny concluded with an earnest appeal to the jury to give their careful consideration to the whole of the evidence, and to decide whether there were not such reasonable doubts in their minds of the prisoner's guilt as to perfectly justify them in pronouncing him not guilty. His Honor then summed up the evidence, which he said was partly circumstantial and' partly based upon the prisoner's own confession. They must, however, remember that although a confession might on the face of it be generally accepted as true still there were occasions on which it might be made from motives either of hope or fear. It was for them to judge of the circumstances under which this confessioa was made, and to decide whether they considered it true, or due to some such motive, and if tbe former they were bound to convict. His Honor briefly alluded to the other sal.'ent points in the evidence, and the jury then retired, and after a few minutes absence returned with a verdict of not guilty.

Sailed Jul 22 for Wellington steamer Taiaroa, 228, Petersen, for Picton and Wellington. Passengers:  Mesdames Dorant and 3 children and Dorant,

Mr District Judge Broad, Nelson Date: 10 October 1879 Subject: With copy of notes taken at trial of Ernest Dorant

Evening Post, 16 Aug 1882: Meeting of the the Benovolent Institute: Mrs E Turner wrote to contradict a rumour that she was receiving rations for supporting the Dorant children stating that, as the committee was aware, this was not the case.

Star, 8 April 1891: A MAD WOMAN; NEW PLYMOUTH; When the Oreti arrived from Wellington last evening, it was discovered that a mad woman was on board. Her name was Sarah Ann Dorant, resident in Wellington, who had stowed herself on board the steamer. When she was discovered on the passage there was a great deal of excitement, as the woman tried to throw herself overboard. She took her clothes and boots off and pitched them overboard, and did many strange acts. The captain ordered her to be confined below. On her arrival, a constable was sent for, and had great difficulty in bringing the woman to New Plymouth. She was charged this morning at the Police Court with being a lunatic, and remanded for medical examination.

Taranaki Herald, 10 April 1891; The woman Sarah Ann Dorant, who behaved so outrageously on the s.s. Oreti the other day, and who was brought before the Court as a lunatic, was sent to the Wellington Asylum this (Friday) morning. The woman was examined in the gaol by Drs. O'Carroll and Leatham, who certified to her being mad.