INSANITY DEFENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 31 October 1933, Page 5

INSANITY DEFENCE

GORDON GUILTY BRUTAL ATTACK MADE ON WIFE. (Per Press Association — Copyright.) AUCKLAND, 'October 30. A defence of insanity 'was set up at the trial to-day of John Shaw Gordon, aged 68, a retired -bricklayer, on • a charge that, with intent to do ,grievbu s . bodily harm, he did .actual bodily harm to his wife, Nellie. The Crown alleged that, in the early morning of August 31, Gordon attacked ihi s wife with a:, hammer, and, then attempted to committ suicide. The Crown prosecutor said that, in the case of thi s kind, the wife might give evidence against her husband, but un New Zealand she could not be compelled to do so. In this case the wife would not be a witness. Evidence was given On „the lines of the lower court hearing. Counsel for defence questioned the

medical -witnesses to show accused’s mentality might have been affected by a discharging wound, which was found when he was examined. Accused’s aged 20, s a jd his father was of a peculiar disposition, and ,scented over sensitive to noise. Dr T. G. Short said he wag satisfied accused was (insane. He had -a- sense of grievance against his family, and de. fusions of persecution. His condition was the - result of chronic alcoholism, probably accentuated by chronic suppuration of a sore on the hip. Accused might have known what he was doing when he attacked his wife, but witness, did not think he fully understood the significance of '.it. . 1 • ■ Dr H. M. Buchanan, superintendent of the mental hospital, said he .did' , not find any symptoms of insanity in accused. There was nothing unusual about his mental condition, for a man: at 68. His peculiar behaviour consisted of foibles. " Dr G M. TothilJ (corroboratedDr Buchanan’s evidence. I -Counsel’s address is being heard/' : : v *' J JURY’S VERDICT OF GUILTY AUCKLAND 1 , October .30..,.,, In the Gordon case, after a retirement of 35 minutes, the jury returned a verdict of. guilty on the second < count, charge of assault so as to \ nouse actual bodily harm, and guilty 1 of attempted suicide. Sentence, was '] postponed. ]