A MURDEROUS RUFFIAN.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2346, 12 November 1908, Page 5

A MURDEROUS RUFFIAN.

TWENTY YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.

[Press Association.]

AUCKLAND’, Nov. 11

At the Supreme Court to-day, before Mr. Justice Edwards, William Richard McLean, alias Murphy, alias William Loft, a tall, swarthy, powerful 1 ! y-bui It man, about 30' years of age, was charged with attempted murder and with using obscene language. On the 30th July prisoner was travelling between To Awamutu and Taumarunui. That district j_s a prohibition one, and no one is allowed to bring in liquor except for private use, and properly -labelled. Constable Maher was on the jifatform and saw prisoner get off the train. The constable/ asked prisoner-what he had in his parcel. Subsequently the prisoner and the constable got a little further down the road when prisoner (murderously assaulted the constable, trying to tear his flesh, to dislocate his jaw, to gouge his eyes out, and t-o drown him, in addition to which he kicked him and belabored him with -ahoavy piece of timber. The jury returned a verdict of guilty on af.l counts.

His Honor said prisoner had previously been convicted of robbery with violence and for breaking and entering. It was evident he had intended to murder the constable and had nearly succeeded in doing so. Prisoner would be sentenced to 20 years’ imnrisonmont.

“What!” said the prisoner. “Twintv years!” Then cursing all and sundry, ho made a desperate attempt to esenpo from the Court, dealing sledge-hammer blows at the police who intercepted him. It took 15 constables to overpower the prisoner, who vowing to have his revenge, was carried, still struggling, to the cells.