CORBETT’S TRIAL

Hokitika Guardian, 5 November 1929, Page 5

CORBETT’S TRIAL

A STRANGE ATTITUDE.

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

PARIS, Nov. 3

A conflict has broken out between the prisoner Corbett (charged with the murder of his mother), and his counsel. Maitre Blum. Corbett is firmly resolved to plead jnstifi ation, and lie is angered by his counsel’s decision to appeal for pity on the ground that Corbett’s mentality has Ikvoh weakened by the strdv of occult science.

Corbett declares emphatically that he will interript his counsel. It is too late for the present counsel to withdraw, or for Corbett to obtain a new one.

The jury is therefore confronted by an. unusual double-barrelled argument.

In the course of an interview Corbett said:—“l am ready to face my judges without fear, regret or excuse, except that I Acted from motives of mercy. Many have urged me to change my plea, but I will not. I loved, my mother, and I killed her because I loved her. I do not fear death. I tried to die. On the contrary, if prison is my fate, I am ready.”

The ease is attracting tremendous interest in French judicial and psychic circles.

Sir A. Conan Doyle and Mr Howells have written to Corbett stating tliat they are willing to go to the trial as witnesses, because they favour his theory.

ACCCUSED FOUND not GUILTY. (Received this day at 9.40 a.m.) , PARIS, Nov. 4. Corbett, cabled yesterday, was found not guilty. Corbett fainted as the jurors entered. W omen were sobbing and some also fainted. Corbett said: “Science having failed. I delivered her myself.” A juryman fainted and tire Court was suspended. A majority smoked furiously to. allay their emotions. A doctor testified that the mother’s sufferings were excessive. Corbett stated :' “Mother inc ited me to kill her, but never definitely asked ime to do it. I deliberately killed her after administering a sleeping draught.”