DEMENTED MAN’S CRIME.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3672, 30 July 1927, Page 3

DEMENTED MAN’S CRIME.

Auckland, July 28.

“This is a sad case,” said Mr. Justice Herdman, in the Supreme Court this morning, in formally acquitting Athol Beamish White on the grounds of insanity of a charge of attempted murder. His Honour instructed that the accused be held in close custody pending the pleasure of the Minister of Justice. The accused pleaded not guilty.. Detective Nalder said that with Constables Power and Muir he went to the accused’s house at Gi’eat South Road in order to inquire about a swag that had been found at Mount Wellington. The swag contained shotgun cartridges and an envelope addressed to the accused. Accused, who was in bed, jumped up and got hold of a doublebarrelled gun from the corner of the room and pointed it at Constable Power. Fortunately the constable succeeded in deflecting the muzzle just as the accused discharged the gun,” the shot narrowly missing him.

Accused afterwards made several very rambling statements. He said: “I intended to shoot you. Do you think I am the'devil?” At a later stage he said: “Have you seen God? I have. He appeared before me one night and said ‘Hullo, Athol.” Dr. C. Tewsley said the accused was obsessed with the idea that under no circumstances would he allow himself to be taken back to the Mental Hospital. He also considered he would be perfectly justified in, shooting the police. Witness considered him to be insane and extremely dangerous, also that he would not know the nature and quality of the act he had committed.

Dr. Beatty, mental specialist, said in his opinion accused was mentally defective and all his life would be liable to outbursts of insanity. His Honour said there was no dispute regarding the facts, and only for the quickness of the police officer a more serious offence would probably have been committed. Proof of accused’s ’ mental condition had been given and would leave no doubt as to his acquittal on the grounds of insanity. Without leaving the Court the jury found a verdict of not guilty on the grounds of insanity.