The Christchurch Murder

Feilding Star, Volume XII, Issue 105, 26 February 1891, Page 2

The Christchurch Murder

BOTH WOMEN SENTENCED TO : DEATH.

(PEE PEESS ASSOCIATION.) Cheistchuhch, February 25. At the Supreme Court, Sarah Jane ( (the mother) and Anna Flanaghan (daughter) were changed with willful murder ol a male child. Sir R. Stout and Mr Stringer appear for accused, and Mr Martin for the prosecution. Intense interest is manifested in the case, the Court and its approaches being crowded. Anna and Sarah Jane Flanagan were found guilty, and both sentenced to death. Anna was recommended to mercy on account of her age. Later. » No new facts were adduced in the eyi- , dence for the prosecution, whicli closed about 3 p.m. The defence of Mrs Flan« agan was that she had left, her daughter • on the night tbe child was killed, and [ knew nothing of the occurrence till afterwards. Two witnesses deposed to meeting a woman resembling her on the South Belt, alone, who asked the way to Ad> dington, where Flanagan lived, about 10.30 tli at night. Sir Bob. rt Stout made an excellent speech in defence of Sarah Flanagan, contending that she had quitted her mother and killed the child in a sudden impulse, due to an attack of mania. He asserted that all the circumstances showed that there could not have been premeditation. Mr Martin, for the prosecution, made a capital speech, during which Sarah Flanagan burst into hysterical shrieking She sobbed hysterically during Mr Justice Denniston's summing up. After an hour's retirement, the jury found both prisoners guilty, recommending Mrs Flanagan to mercy on account of her advanced age. When they were sentenced, there was a terrible scene. Mrs Flanagan appeared not to realise her position, and asked the female warder if tt was true. Her daughter uttered piercing shrieks, protesting her innocence.