MUNN ON TRIAL

Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1930, Page 5

MUNN ON TRIAL

FOUND GUILTY. DEATH SENTENCE PASSED. (By Telegraph—Pre&s Association). AUCKLAND, May 27. Found guilty of the murder of his wife, Millie May. Munn, at Northcote on February 11th, Arthur Thomas Munn was sentenced to death by Mr Justice Herdman in the Supreme Court to-night. Mr Meredith continued his filial address to the jury. THE FINDING. Justice Herdman then summed up. His Honor spoke from 3.30 p.m. until about a quarter to five. The jury retired at 4.47 p.m. and they returned at 8.22 p.m. with a verdict of guilty. The Foreman added: “That the members of the jury put on reword Dr Dudding’s high sense of public duty.” MUNN’S STATEMENT. Munn was asked if he had anything to say. In reply he made the following statement, in a firm, clear voice, without any trace of emotion:— “I have only to say I am innocent of tile crime! of which I have been convicted. My innocertt -acts have been slightly altered, so that they have been made to appear against me. I am in the unfortunate, positioh that I know most about my wife’s , illness,. ■' and, through my acts, being mis-stated . they have appeared as acts agfu-ftst me.” . SENTENCE, PASSED./' , The Court Crier then enjoined- sil- 1 ence, while His Honour pronounced sentence.. Donning the black cap, His Honor then passed sentence of death. Several calls for silence had to be made by officials while His Honor was speaking. Munn was 1 then led away. s. His Honor thanked the Jury for their services, remarking that the trial had been a long and arduous one. The jurors were excused'from further service for ■ a period of five years.