THE TORONTO MURDER

Hokitika Guardian, 30 June 1925, Page 3

THE TORONTO MURDER

TRIAL OF DAl'.O. .BATHETIC COURT S( F.NESL ; Australia A N.Z. Cabin Association.] tße-eived this day at 8 a.m.) SYDNEY. June 29. The trial of Oakes has commenced, the accused pleading not guilty. lit his opening address the Crown Prosecutor said the Crown ease was that there had been a cold, calculated ami rollons murder, probably without equal in the annals of Australian crime.

The Crown Prosecutor then detailed the evidence previously cabled. Pathetic scenes "ere witnessed when the father and mother o! the dead giri took the witness stand t. > testily against the accused, both breaking down badly, hut each was able to identify Oakes as the man who married their daughter.

Oakes giving evidence said the dead girl had known him slightly over u year. He had taken her to parties and had her visit him at his home, while his wife was absent in Sydney. TTo then said that after marriage with the girl she told him she was in a certain condition. Alter they had some wine at the cottage at Toronto she told him that he was not responsible for Unit condition and asked him wliat ho would do if she told his wite. Accused added that through the wine he became raving mad and did not know what 'he did. Afterwards, when lie woke in the morning, he was lying alongside the body. When lie saw the horrible sight lie said: ‘Oh God. M lmt have I done.”

Continuing. Oakes said he had only gone through the wedding servi-e lor the purpose of protecting the girl, do did not intend to injure her. Tie sacrificed his life in doing so.