Wellington Supreme Court.

Manawatu Herald, 9 February 1899, Page 2

Wellington Supreme Court.

- ' ■ ' '» ■ Monday, 6th February. THE UPPER OPAKI OUTRAGE. The investigation of the outrage committed on a girl 17 years of age, it Upptrr Opaki, in the Ma3terton, district, occupied Mr Justice Edwards and a jury in the Supreme Court; on Monday. Bobert Douglas, (he prisoner, a youth 19 years of age, was undefended, and he did not attempt to cross-aximine the witness for the Crown. He, however, entered the witness-box on his own behalf. During the prosecution his demeanour had attracted attenioo. Ha appeared nervous, and formal questions put to hin by tha Judge and ihe Registrar had to be repeated by ihe police and gaol officer*. Witnesses, including a doctor drpo«ed that he was sane, but had a ■iefe-Jt in his spaecb. This latter f ature wai fully apparent when he commenced hia statement in defence. He spike thickly and with difficulty, and his sentnces were almost broken English. And un>ii warned by the Judge against shamming, he make long pauae-t in hi-> a-im what rambling narrative. He did n-v directly deny his guilt, so far as he was understood. The jiry found him guilty of ihs> outrage, which H <■* Hinnr described as an awfu< nd horrible crime. After somdissuasion thn prisoner was reminded ill Friday for m dical • xammaiion During the hearing of evidence in the case, the spectators, at th•suggea.ion of tha Judgp, left the Court. Tuesday, 7th February