The accused damaged the complainant’s property during a heavy drinking binge with friends. The complainant found a machete on the property and noticed a cut on a calf’s leg. There was evidence at trial that the cattle had been disturbed that night and that there were hairs on the machete consistent with bovine hair. The evidence, however, did not establish which of the men, if any, inflicted the damage to the calf. The circumstances, while highly suspicious, did not meet the test of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Accused acquitted.