Comedian Barry Hilton is off the hook on charges of stealing two paintings.
His lawyer, Vanesh Naidu, told Beeld on Wednesday that Hilton was acquitted in Port Elizabeth on Monday.
”What strengthened our case is that the magistrate could not determine who the real claimant was in the case,” said Naidu.
”We might take legal steps in future for defamation and vexatious litigation,” added Naidu.
Hilton was accused of taking two paintings from an art gallery without paying for them on Christmas Day last year.
He later handed the paintings, worth about R10 700, over to the police.
Rapport at the time reported that the artist, Paul van Rensburg, owed Hilton money after he had paid in advance for two paintings that he never received.
Apparently, Van Rensburg’s wife told Hilton he could take two paintings when he confronted her about the money her husband owed him. — Sapa