MURDER CHARGE

Hokitika Guardian, 14 August 1926, Page 1

MURDER CHARGE

ACCUSED APPLIES FOR COUNSEL. 'ITMAR.U. Aug. 12. At n sitting of the Magistrate’s Cour to-day, Owen Joseph Francis McKee was charged before Air E. _D. Mosley, S.AL, with the murder of Duval Earle England, at Alakikilii, -6n, July 29th. I,n asking for a remand until August 19th, Senior-Sergeant Faliey stated that probably the police would not bo ready to go on with the case then, and a further remand might bo necessary. The remand was granted. AlcKee, addressing the Magistrate, asked what facilities ho would have for procuring a solicitor, as ho intended to plead not guilty. The Magistrate: The Crown will pro vide one for you if you caiinot retain one yourself. Are you destitute? Accused: I have only a couple of pounds, and no property. Senior-Sergeast Fahey stated that accused had already boon informed that a solicitor would be obtained for him. The Magistrate: No man in this country is tried on a grave charge without the services of a lawyer. If lie is unahle to afford the services, the Crown provides a solicitor at the trial. In the lower Court ho had only to he satisfied that there was sufficient evidence to put accused on his defence, and if that occurred steps would he taken to secure legal advice. If, in the lower Court, he was not satisfied that there was sufficient evidence to put accused on his trial, the case would be dismissed.

■AlcKee: AYell, I want to get it over as soon as possible, arid would have explained at the inquest, but had legal advice not to say anything. The Magistrate: Of course, it might have been good advice or it might have been had advice, hut at the inquest I had to take up the attitude that the advice was good. Accused; It was wrong, and a big mistake.

The Alagistrate: It- might have been good advice is this ease. The police, however, will bring the matter before the Court as soon as possible, and if you are committed for trial the necessary steps will he taken to engage counsel on your behalf.