The Invercargill Murder.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 76, 26 September 1895, Page 2

The Invercargill Murder.

KEOWN SENTENCED TO DEATH. ' (Per Press Association.) Invercargill, Sept. 25. The trial of John Keown, who is charged with the murder of Hugh Stewart at Balfour, was continuad in the Supreme Court to-day, before Mr Justice Williams. Dr James Young, formerly Superintendent of the Auckland Asylum, said that such a thing as alcoholic insanity was recognised, and that in some cases injuries toihe head would make the subject more susceptible to the influence of alcohol. He should say that Keown had been at the time of the tragedy suffering from acute alcoholic insanity, which was a very dangerous kind of lunacy. He was sure of that now. Dr McLeod, gaol surgeon, was also of opinion, after examination, that Keown was not of sound mind. The trial concluded at 5 p.m.. and after deliberating two and a half hours, the jury returned into Court with a verdict of guilty, with a recommendation to mercy. His Honor pronounced sentence to death, and in doing so snu? tUs.t the recommendation of tho jury, looking at tho prieoner's previous history, plight not ba altogether unreasonable, and in the course of his duty bo would intimate that opinion to the proper authorities. His H.oncj? gincerely atked and recommended Keown A&t to place too great eonfidenee in the jury^'recoinipondation