ROOM 66 MURDER

Hokitika Guardian, 22 March 1930, Page 5

ROOM 66 MURDER

SON SENTENCED TO DEATH

I United Press Association—By Electr* Telegraph—Copyright).

(Received this day at 9.20 a.m.) LONDON, March 21.

Sidney Harry Fox was found guilty at Old Bailey and sentenced to death for the murder of his mother in Room G 6 in the- Hotel Metropo'.e. Tho trial was the most sensational for years, the scene of the crime being reconstructed in the court and expert witnesses giving evidence of the effects of strangulation on the victim.

The Crown's case was:—Fox insured his mother’s life for £3OO-0 the day before she was found dead in the hotel, and that he strangled'her and then set lire to the room.

JUDGE’S SUMMING UP. (Received this day. at 11 a.m., LONDON, March 21. The Judge’s summing up in the Room 66 case occupied 2-[- hours. Dealing with the conflict of medical testimony, he said it was impossible to offer the jury any assistance. It was a curious coincidence that the brittle bone referred to by experts was unbroken; It was a strong point in the favour of Fox. It was unfortunate the parts concerned could not have been better preserved. Ho referred to Fox’s extraordinary life, gnng from place to place without money, and declared the financial straits of accused had a direct bearing on the case. .Insurance policies were the kernel of the case, if Fox journeyed to London to take out policies when lie had barely suffi- ient money to pay his fare. Undoubtedly if his mother had died by accident before midnight on 23rd. October, Fox’s position would have changed from despair and difficulties to one of affluence. The iurv was absent 92 minutes. Asked if he had anything to say. Fox replied: “I never murdered mv mother!” He reeled as he left the dock.