BENNIER FOUND GUILTY.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 November 1917, Page 1

BENNIER FOUND GUILTY.

SENTENCED TO DEATH

[PKR PRESS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT.]

Wanganui, Nov 28

The trial of Frank Edward Bem.ier for the murder of his wife at Kaungaroa on Sept 1 Gth, was continued at the Supreme Court to-day before Mr Justice Edwards.

Prisoner gave evidence, and slated that he did uot remember the tragedy. He admi fed that prior to the tragedy telling the police sergeant that lie would “ Do for his wife !” but stated he was not sober at the time. He might also have told another man thfijt he would settle his wife; but did not remember it.

Counsel for prisoner contended that the crime was committed during a fit of impulsive insanity. The Crown Prosecutor occupied only 1 ten minutes in his address to the jury, and contended that the crime was the act of a revengeful man who was not insane.

His Honour, in summing up, occupied twenty minutes. He said the case was extraordinary in many ways. Prisoner had attacked six persons in the house before attacking his wife, and the evidence showed that prisoner was emotional and'lowin' intellectual ability. It was curious that no expert evidence was called for the defence, connsel relying on medical authorities to support the plea of impulsive insanity. The jury after three hours' retirement returned a verdict of “guilty.” Prisoner made no reply when asked if he had anything io say before sentence was passed. His Honour then put on the black cap and pronounced the sentence of death.