THE KOERBIN CASE

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3826, 2 August 1928, Page 3

THE KOERBIN CASE

W|IFE NOT GUILTY OF ATTEMPTED MURDER. JURY RECOMMENDS MERCY ON SECOND CHARGE. Wellington, August 1. Evidence for the Crown in the Koerbin attempted murder case was concluded this morning. Presenting the case for the defence Mr. Sievwright said accused denied any attempt to injure Koerbin. The parties were not on good terms and Mi’s. Koerbin’s evidence would indicate she wanted to do something that would stop her husband’s conduct. Poison was obtained to show the husband she could retaliate. The action was only a gesture. A tin was left in the scullery so that the husband could sec it. She thought it was a harmless powder, but wanted her husband to think it was dangerous. She placed the stuff in a box where she knew her husband would find it, and say. “Look here, what’s the meaning of this. Let’s have a settlement of differences.”

She left the dining-room slide open so that Koerbin could see her putting the stuff in the food. She knew he would not eat it. She would deny she put glass in the food ami the onlv inferenee could be that Koerbin himself put the glass in tinfood. Koerbin’s vomiting was due to over-indulgence in liquor taken at parties, Other sickness was due to cold. When accused was giving evidence, Mi'. Maeassey objected to Iho line of examination, saying it was known there had been domestic trouble. TTis Honour remarked: “The worse you make out Koerbin to be, Mr. Sievwright, the stronger you make the ease against yourself. You show that your client had all the more reason to get rid of him.” Under cross-examinalion accused said she did not Iliink llie poison would do harm, nor did she tell the detective she had put poison #n the fond supply to frighten her husband. Although her husband was objectionable, she did not leave the house, because she had two children. She considered her husband was worth about £50,000 Mr. Sievwright asked the jury to dismiss the charge of attempted murder and submitted-there was no evidence that accused even administered poison or that she even did anything with intent to injuro.or annoy her husband. Mr. Maeassey declared the defence was the most extraordinary he had ever heard.

The jury returned a verdict of not guilty of attempted murder hut guilty of attempting to administer poison with intent to injure or annoy. The jury also brought in a strong recommendation for mercy. Sentence was deferred.