THE MAYFIELD TRAGEDY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 621, 22 November 1913, Page 5

THE MAYFIELD TRAGEDY.

GUILTY OF MURDER. SENTENCED TO DEATH. PRISONER CARRIED FROM DOCK. [HY TKLKUBAPH. —I'RICSS AKSOCIATIO?^.] Chistchurch, Thursday. The man Alfred Biddle charged with the murder of Mrs Lilley, at Mayfield last month, came up for trial at the Surpeme Court to-day. The factß of the 'case were not challenged, but n plea of insanity was est up. After a quarter of an hour's retirement the jury returned a verdict of guilty of wilful murder. Accused collapsed over the front of the dock, and his hands worked convulsively. In reply to a question as to whether he had anything to say why sentence of death should not hi pronounced, the accused said "No." The usual proclamation preceding the passing of the death sentence was made by the crier. His Honour placed the black cap upon bis head, and, the prisoner, Baid: —"You have been convicted of murder, as to tho character lof which I do not propose to comment. All I have to do ia to paaa on you only sentence which the law permits. The sentence of the court is that you be taken to a place of exeeution an 1 there hanged by the neck until you arc dead." The prisoner received tho sentence in silence, and was lifted out of the dock by two warders and carried from the court.