CHARGE OF MURDER

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23969, 9 June 1943, Page 4

CHARGE OF MURDER

FURTHER REMAND APPLIED FOR When John Hector McAulay (Mr D. VV. Russell) appeared in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday on a charge of having murdered Margaret Wilhelmina Webster at Ashburton on March 16, Senior Detective H. Nuttali asked that accused be remanded to appear at Christchurch on June 29. Mr E. C, Levvey, S.M., said that he had signed the warrant for the accused to appear at Ashburton, and Intimated that the Court did not deal with Ashburton matters

“Has someone remanded him to appear here?" asked the Magistrate. Senior-Detective Nuttali said he was acting under instructions from the Assistant Crown Prosecutor in asking for the remand.

“I was going to leave my observations until accused was in the dock,” said Mr Russell in answer to a question by the Magistrate as to what his attitude was. The Magistrate: I’m not so sure I’ll put him in the dock. Is he here and where is he to be remanded to?” When McAulay waj placed in the dock, Mr Russell said: “I’m reserving all the rights accused may have.” Senior-Detective Nuttali suggested that it the case could be stood down until the afternoon the Crown Prosecutor might make a fuller explanation of the position The Magistrate said this was not convenient, and Senior-Detective Nuttali replied that in that case he could do nothing but follow instructions and ask for a remand until June 29.

Mr Russell said it was not very nice for the accused, and he objected to the remand until June 29. He would not agree to further remand than that provided in Statutory Regulations. McAulay was remanded until June 15. to appear at Christchurch,