THE COOPER CASE.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 May 1923, Page 3

THE COOPER CASE.

[DY TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] THE CLOSING SCENES. WELLINGTON, May 22. When tho Court resumed at 2.27 p.m. the jury returned. In reply to the Registrar’s question, the Foreman said the jury had found a verdict of “Guilty” against the male accused, and “Not Guilty” against the female accused. There was a slight manifestation of applause on the second pronouncement iljut this was quickly suppressed. Mrs Cooper, during the trial, had been accommodated in a separate dock, but she now appeared in the main dock with her husband, a constable and a woman polite attendant standing between them. Both naturally displayed the effects of the great stiqin that they had been subjected to, when they entered the (lock, and on the announcement the male prisoner bowed his head, being deeply affected. The woman remained more composed. A deep bush prevailed for a moment, and then, at a word from the Judge, Mrs Cooper was removed from the Court. The Registrar then asked Cooper it he had anything to say why sentence of death, should not be passed on him. “I AM INNOCENT.” The accused replied in a voice which v.us low > and failing at the end: “I can only say that I am innocent of this and f. cannot believe yet that the child found was McLeod's.” The Court Crier, having commanded silence, the Judge addressed the prisoner and said: “L’lisoner at the bar, it. is unnecessary that 1 should say more than a few words. Your crime, in the eyes of the public, speaks for itself. Unfortunately I have had to pass tho sentence of death on several occasions, hut I have never known such a cruel, heartless murder ns this.” THE SENTENC E. Assuming the black cap, the Judge then said: “The sentence of the Court is that you he taken to tho place of execution and there hanged by the neck until you are dead.” The condemned man bowed his head apparently dazed, and he was he.n iedly taken away to the cells. The Judge thanked the jury for the ! careful attention given to this paiuhil case, and said lie would, make an order that they be discharged from jury service for five years. llis Honour also complimented the police on the fairness of manner in which they had conducted the ease. an appeal. On Mr Treadwell's application, the judge agreed to hear an application, in chambers, for leave to appeal on the question el the admissahiiity of vet tain evidence. MRS COOPER. GOES FREE. The Crown Prosecutor gave notice of his intention to enter a nolle prosequi in the other two charges against Airs Cooper, which will he dealt with on Monday next, to which date tho criminal session was adjourned. barge crowds of morbidly curious spectators gathered outside tho Court in Hie vicinity of the exit from the cells to see tj#' condemned man removed. The police, however, kept a track clear for the van. and veiv few had a view of the prisoner as he entered and was driven away. There was no demonstration, and in a lew minutes the crowd dispersed.