THE BY-FLEET MURDER.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 July 1924, Page 2

THE BY-FLEET MURDER.

UJHTKALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION LONDON. July 4.

At the A’aquier trial, the case for the prosecution concluded, and the accused gave evidence. Yaqtiier said that he was on the friendliest terms with the deceased, Jones, who had not oomplained of his (Vaquier’s) relations with Airs Jones, but. oil tin- contrary, bad suggested that be should take her to the theatre, lie (Vaquier) met at Bylleet Airs .Jones solicitor, who was on the most familiar terms with her. visiting her every .Sunday. Vaquier declared that he had purchased strychnine for the solicitor, '•ho said that lie wanted to poison a dog. but that lie could not purchase the stuff himself, lie (Vaquier) had falsely signed the chemist’s register on the solicitor’s suggestion. Counsel, lit this stage, informed the judge that the solicitor’s name is Bruce Miller, and nil order was then made that lie should be subpoenaed. Vaquier. continuing, said that Airs Jones, after tasting them, threw the contents of the salts bottle into the lire, lie tried to pi event her, and told a servant to keep the empty bottle for the doctor, but she. through a misunderstanding bad banded the bottle over to him, and lie had placed it in the drawer.

VAQFIKR FOUND GUI LTV. SENTENCED TO DEATH. LONDON. July G. There was a remarkable scene at the trial of Yaqiuor at Guildford. The jury after ninety minutes’ retirement returned with a verdict of guilty.

Asked why the death sentence should not lie passed. Vaquier exclaimed excitedly—“l protest. It is an iniquitioiis verdict. I swear oil the graves of my father and mother that T am innocent.”

Justice Avory, in passing the death sentence described it as a wicked, detestable crime.

Vaquier began calmly addressing the court, lint quickly lost control and screamed out bis protests against tinEnglish methods in the trial ot a b reigner. Turning round in a f struck a warder and s'- ,oIciitly when others seized .. He was carried out protesting shrilly, declaring his counsel had let him down.

Justice Avorv. in summing up, insisted it did not follow that because a woman had heeil tillftlith 1 ill to her husband that her evidence never thereafter was to be. believed. If she had heeli in any way responsible for Jones’ death was it likely she would have so rapidly administered an emetic am' summoned a doctor. Ihe lnrmer relations between Vnqiticr and Mrs Jones, particularly to a member of the Latin races, might he the most powerful motive for Jones’ death.

In response to Vaquier’s request to postpone sentence, Justice Avorv said lie had hcoii tried in accordance with the law, which was more favourable to a foreigner’s interests, than any other country.