MOGHAN SENTENCED

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2704, 6 March 1924, Page 3

MOGHAN SENTENCED

TWELVE YEARS FOR MANSLAUGHTER. Wellington, March 4. Anthony Moghan, who was found guilty at Wanganui of the manslaughter of Gordon John Geinmell at Ruakura near Taihape, was today sentenced by Mr Justice Reed to twelve years’ hard labour. Mr T. M. Wilford, for accused, before sentence was passed, said he had a feeling in common with the Judge that the whole story of Reilly’s and Maori Jack’s actions on the day was most obscure. Since the trial ended Reilly had made a confession that ho and Maori Jack were present all the time. The confession had been made to the gaoler at Wanganui on these lines: “How is poor old Andy getting on? How does he take it, poor old chap? He is not altogether to blame. We were all three there at the time and we had a free fight amongst ourselves. When 1 saw it was getting too hot for me i pulled out and went to sleep and knew nothing until morning.” This Air Wilford said, absolutely contradicted Reilly’s evidence in Court. His Honour intimated that he would have to sentence prisoner on circumstances before the jury, but if they were afterwards able to get further evidence they could put it before the powers that be and they would decide whether there should be further inquiry. Mr Macassy, Crown Prosecutor, thought he should have been notified regarding this evidence. The gaoler should have reported it to the un-der-secretary. Ernest Ching, gaoler, Wanganui, in evidence, said that the statement was made by Reilly while under the influence of liquor.