Verdict in the Kilbirnie Case.

Manawatu Herald, 17 March 1898, Page 2

Verdict in the Kilbirnie Case.

The hearing of the chargei of illtreating and neglecting a boy named Albert Henry Green preferred against hit guardians, John Martin Healey and Margaret Alice Healey, of Kilbirnie, was concluded in the Saprenje^J Court on Tuesday before Mr Justice* 1 ! Edwards and a jury. After further witneuei had been heard the jury retired and after three hours returned. Tho foreman (Mr Robert Hill) •aid the jury were agreed upon their verdict. The only question was the form in wbioh it ihoald be given. They understood they could answer on two counts— one for ortelty and^j the other for neglect. '\ His Honor : The firs! count is for Hltreatment. The foreman : We find that both of the prisoners art guilty of cruelty or ill-treatment. His Honor : The second count is for neglect. The foreman : We find both the . prison era are not guilty of neglect, His. Honor : It is very lamentable^ business, altogether. My own view is that some penalty matt be inflicted but nothing can be gained by sending these people to prison if it can be avoided. lam not disposed to sen* tence them to-night. At the request of His Honor, Mr Gully promised to have inquiriei made as to the character and circumstances of the prisoners. . • The prisoners were rsleaied on their own recognisanoes to come up for sentence at half past 10 o'clock thia morning. The Healeya were fined £26 each, with three months to pay in.