NOT A CASE FOR BAIL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 2987, 16 January 1926, Page 3

NOT A CASE FOR BAIL.

* GRAVE CHARGES AGAINST AVOMAN. Auckland, January 14. “fiiere might be a death if I allowed this woman bail, and then I would feel myself responsible,” said Mr J. AY. Poynton, S.M. in the Magistrate’s Court to-day, in refusing Mr Singer’s application to grant bail to Mrs Martha Jane O’Shaughnessy (aged 59 years). O’Shaughnessy was committed to the Supreme Court for trial on four charges of unlawfully using an instrument.

It was pointed nut by Mr. Singer that the Supreme Court criminal sessions would not start till February. That meant that O’Shaughnessy would have to remain in gaol for over a fortnight. Little harm could be done if she were admitted to bail. Mr. Singer suggested, in view of the state of her health, that the Magistrate might grant the request.

Mr. Poynton said that he felt very reluctant about it. If the woman were ill she could be transferred from Mt. Eden Gaol to the Auckland Hospital. “She has already been committed to the Supreme Court, for trial on two charges, and while she is brought here on four other charges,” said the Magistrate. “No, I can’t allow her liberty.”

Mr Singer put Dr. Horton in the witness-box to describe the condition of O’Shaughnessy’s leg. Tt was in such a condition that it should be dressed properly and frequently. It required either skin grafting or amputation. She should be in hospital. Chief Detective . Cummings: You will agree with me, doctor, that in view of the condition of this woman’s leg, it is very dangerous for her to perform these operations And you’ll admit that drinking won’t help her condition? Dr. Horton: It is a very bad leg indeed.

It was quite a mistake to imagine that because a person was ill, he or she could not, and ought not, to be sent to gaol, said Mr. Poynton. It should be remembered that there was a.hospital in the gaol, with a medical man in regular attendance, and drugs of every kind were available. If necessary serious cases could be, and were, transferred from the gaol to the general hospit-

Mr. Singer asked that the Magistrate recommend O’Shaughnessy’s transfer to the Auckland Hospital, mi Dr. Horton’s evidence.

The Magistrate said that he could not .do that, but if the gaol surgeon agreed that she should be removed, Ilis AYorship would make the necessary recommendation.