BOMB CHARGE

Hokitika Guardian, 18 August 1932, Page 6

BOMB CHARGE

ACCUSED’S EVIDENCE.

(Per Press Association - — Copyright,)

CHRISTCHURCH, August 18

Th'a trial was continued at the Supreme Court of George Thomas Mounter, 35, charged with placing an explosive' on. the steamer Tees with intent to do bodily harm to CaptainA. B. Anderson.

.Detective Laugeson gave evidence on lines of tlie lower court, saying in a statement to the police that Mouncer admitted] making the bomb and placing it on the; Tees. Mouncer, giving evidence on ' o his own behalf, admitted putting*' 1 the bomb on; the Tees. He constructed it ( vvjith a view to making it look very 'effective! but quite safe. He had decided to put the wind up Anderson, because oi past treatment. He had had a lot of experience with bombs and’ had made them on Gallipoli and in France. The bomb he put on the Tees could not be effective. The 'spring was too weak to detonate the cap. The striker was really a toy, when compared with a real striker. Witness made several tests with the strikeT and the base of cartridges. Witness removed the padding from the cart-, ridge and left only a small card disc. The effect of this would he that.) the powder would ignite but merely fizz away, powder, unless compressedy-hod Tittle or no explosive effect. There was no explosion ini the trials • witness conducted. Witness now realised- i At. was a foolish thing to do. .

Continuing Mouncer said he wanted "Anderson to think he had had row escape. He put on the striker for the purpose of Anderson hearing it click. It was a dummy bomb. SS-2 The Crown Prosecutor —In your statement you told the detective it was a live bomb. f

■Witness—l told him I only intends ed to scare Anderson. > - :

Crown Prosecutor —But to-day is the first time -it has been suggested that it was a harniless dummy bomb. ' Accused—l answered the detective’s question. ~ His Honour—What time did you pdt the bomb there?' s ■- ... Accused—rA'bout 1 a.m. You told the detective first that you knew nothing about the' bomb. That was an Tintruie statement? . • r Accused—Yes, it was untrue. ; Did you say in a second statement “I knew that if it had exploded it would have blown Anderson up?” Accused—Yes, I did. Counsel then addressed the jury, gumming tip, the Chief Justice saida man’s intention had to be iudged'by his actions and his statements at the time of an occurrence. “I hope it will he a long time before juries: in British countries will tolerate lightly the sending of an explosive substance t umn ii iO Alii",.. ■!« aii to a person in any such manner a,s, has been done in the ease. All I mean, .is: that you must consider carefully question of the intention on the part of the accused.’,’. Until 'to-day, continued his Honour, no explanation had been given by. Mouncer of the affair and it could be. suggested that the explanation as given was an after, thought., The. jury retired at 1.5 pjn.