Murder Charge

Hokitika Guardian, 14 November 1932, Page 6

Murder Charge

TRIAL OF J EPSON

fPer Press Association — Copyright.)'

NEW PLYMOUTH, November 14

■ Tfie' t-VLril of Hubert Oodric .JripSon, charged with the murder of his wife and -two childreii at" New Plymouth on September 15th., opened at the Supreme Court to-day. ItrifOre Sir Justice Reed.

The victims of the tragedy were Ijiliaii Violet Jepsdri; 37; John Robert . jfepsori,. 18 months ; and Richard' Gedric Jepsoti, 12 years. Mr R.. Hf. Guillialh, Cfowri Prd- ! s&utbf -vvatli Jlr &. Macallan; is aj> pOaVing t the .Crown, arid Mr J;, H. Shdat inti* Mr Ai. ft. North for the defence.

At the lower coiirß proceedings; the Ofati/tt called five witnesses but it’ is understood there 'till be .a considerably longer list of wiinels-sbs for the defence, and probably further evidence for the Grown in rebuttal of evidence on behalf of accused.

ill GuilUam, in a brief address, reviewed the facts as disclosed in the lower court describing the finding of fli© bodies arid accused’s remarks to the police officers. He said he would make no attempt to anticipate the .evidence for the defence. the defence was ari admission of crime, but denial of guilt, on the grounds of insanity, which counsel said he was confident of proving.