The Infanticide Trial.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, 28 February 1891, Page 3

The Infanticide Trial.

killed the child in a sudden impulse due to an attack of mania. He assorted that all the circumstances snowed there could not have been any premeditation. Mr Marten for the prosecution made a capital speech during -which Sarah Flanagan burst into hysterical shrieking. She sobbed hysterically during Mr Justice Denniston's summing up. After an hours retirement the jury found both the prisoners guilty, recommending Mrs Flanagan to mercy on account of her advanced age. The Judge then pronounced sentence of death upon both prisoners. When they were sentenced there was a terrible scene. Mrs Flanagan appeared not to realise the position, and asked a female warder standing by if it was true. Her daughter uttered piercing shrieks protesting her innocence. — Press Association.

: ♦ r-r-BOTH .PBISONRBS SENTENCED TO "■ "" ' T)EATH. „"■■ At the Supreme Court Sarah Jane, (mother) and Anna Flanagan (daugnter) were charged with the wilful. murder of a male child. Sir R. Stout and Mr Stringer appeared for thejaocuied, Intense interest is manifested in, the case, the Court and its approaches being crowded. Mr Marten appeared for the Crown, and in opening the case briefly detailed the circumstances which are already well-known to the public. The case is proceeding. The murder case evidence is precisely similar to that given in the B. M. Court. With reference to Miss Flanagan's confinement, her statements to the police re finding of the bead, clothes, etc., nothing further4ias been elicited. Mrs Freeman, nurse, swears positively that the clothes foun<L were those taken away, with the'mby not what it wore. The evidence for the prosecution closed about three p. m. The defence of Mrs Flanagan was that she had left her daughter on the night the child was -killed, and knew nothing -.of the occurrence till afterwards. Two witnesses deposed to meeting a r woman resembling her on the South Belt alone, who asked the way to Ad- . dington, where Flanagan lived, about • 10. 80 that night. Pir E. Stout made an excellent speech in defence of Sarah Flanagan, contending that she had quitted her mother and