CRIME IN AUSTRALIA.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17117, 12 April 1921, Page 7

CRIME IN AUSTRALIA.

THE LA BARTE TRAGEDY. (JBy Cable—Press Assooialion—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cabte Association.) (Received April 11th, 10.20 p.m.) SYDNEY, April 11. Major la Barte was sentenced to Beven years' penal servitude for the manslaughter of his wife, and remanded to come up for trial when called upon for the alleged murder of Constable Mitchell. (Major la Barte shot his wife at Mossvale last December. He then telephoned the police and informed them of the tragedy. Wheji they arrived he shot Constable Mitchell dead. Other policemen surrounded the house, but were kept off for some time by la Barte's firing. Eventually a constable managed to effeot an entrance while la Barte was watching the other police, and, escaping two shots discharged at him as he closed, he managed to overpower la Barte after a desperate struggle. In a statement from the dock la Barte declared he had no recollection of shooting either his wife or Constable Mitchell. The" evidence showed that the accused, who had been strange in his manner since his return from the war. had been drinking heavily, and was drunk at the time of the tragedy. He was found" guilty of manslaughter of his wife.] ANOTHER MURDER TRIAL. V.-:' (Received April 11th; 10.20 p.m.) SYDNEY, April 11. The trial of Charles Speeohley, who is charged with the miirder of Constable "Wolgast, has commenced. The evidence given is on the lines previously cabled. TA message on February I,lth said:— Recently. Constable Wolgast was shot dead while attempting to arrest a man in Centennial Park .far suspected bagsnatching, A man named Speechley was arrested and committed for trial on a charge of murdering Constable Wolgast. Evidence given by actual participators in the depredations dilclosed that for years the Park was haunted by a bis gang known as the Centennial Park Hundred', who dogged people, bagsnatching and blackmailing. Some 'operated in the daytime, but mostly at night, when sweethearting couples, .were the chief victims, Sections of the gang were known as the "Daysiders". and the "Niihtworkers."]