STRANGE CASE OF ASSAULT.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 80, 12 April 1901, Page 1

STRANGE CASE OF ASSAULT.

Broken Hill, N.S.W., April 2,

At the Circuit Court Alex. Stevenson, aged 40 years, most of whose life has been spent dam-sinking, prospecting, and in the bush, was charged with having feloniously wounded Thomas Scott with intent to murder, and on a second count with intent to commit grievous bodily harm. Accused pleaded guilty. His Honor pointed out that the first count constituted a capital charge, and that the plea could not be accepted. He advised accused to withdraw the plea, which he did. The facts of the case were that at the end of January accused called at a house in the Meninnie road, occupied by Thomas Scott, a man over 80 years of age, and his aged wife, who were malting a living keeping pigs. Stevenson helped himself to some food without permission, and when Scott appeared asked him the road to Rockwell. Scott pointed out the road and accused went away. Accused returned the following day, again walked into the house, and said he wanted nothing, but picked up a Snider rifle leaning against the wall and began fingering it. He told Scott that he was tired of life. The old man told him not to talk nonsense, and took the rifle away from him, placing it against the wall, and then turned away. Accused, picking up the rifle, hit him two heavy blows over the head with it, knocking him senseless. Stevenson was arrested shortly afterwards. He readily admitted the assault, adding, “I hope that they wall show me no mercy. I am tired of the world.” Evidence was given by the Government Medical Officer that the accused was of unsound mind. The police and the gaolwarder also testified to accused’s strange behaviour. Accusjpkoffered no defence, but made a statemehf. He said that he was suffering under! iilpntal strain, which he could not overcome or control. The jury, after an hour’s consideration, found accused not guilty on both counts, on the ground of insanity. His Honor thereupon ordered accused to be detained in gaol till the pleasure of the Governor should be known.