CHARGE OF MURDER.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18219, 1 November 1924, Page 11

CHARGE OF MURDER.

ACQUITTED ON GROUNDS OF INSANITY. (raws association ttlkhak.) AUCKLAND, October 31. Harry Joseph Peters Keogh, aged 43, vho cut the throat of his infant child on August sth, was acquitted on the murder charge on tho grounds cf insanity. IVs. Fnllerton and Murray, who gave evidence for the Crown, deposed that Keogh was incapable of knowing the nature and quality of his act. Dr. Beattie, mental hospital superintendent, said Keogh appeared coherent the-morning after the tragedy. A severe shock often transformed an abnormal man to a normal condition temporarily. There was no reason why the evidence of former doctors could not be correct. He a,-as never able to «ay his client did not commit, the act, eaid Mr Johnstone, accused's counsel, but the jury should acquit him on the grounds of. insanity. His Honour Mr Justice Hcrdman said it was the saddest of sad cases. On the face of the evidence ilie only conclusion to be come to was insanity. Keogh was ordered to be detained in strict custody at the Moiint Eden prison till the pleasure of the Minister of Justice was known.