DUNEDIN MURDER TRIAL.
(By Tklkgraph.) (united press association.) . , Dunedin, Jauuary ; l4. liThe, charge of murder against William Pearce, for having stabbed Matilda Hancock, has occupied the Supreme Court all day. The evidence was much the same as was given at the inquest, but was stronger against the prisoner, as a witness nniued Freeman deposed' that the pvisoher had admitted to him having committed the deed, saying that he had struck the woman when she had provoked hi m, but did not intend tp kill her. To a detective Pearce had also admitted having thrown the knife, with which he did the deed, into the bay. His Honor summed up strongly against the prisoner, telling the jury he could see no evidence of the provocation which would reduce the crime to manslaughter. He added that a recommendation to mercy wqul4 n.o doubt : have t]u.e weight. At 7 o'olock the jury returned to ask whether a verdict of manslaughter would be accepted, stating that they were of opinion the prisoner had done the deed without premeditation. His Honor directed ' them that the premeditation would not alone reduce the crime to manslaughter. They are still considering the verdict and were locked up all night. The foreman said that there seemed not the slightest possibility of the, -jury agreeing.
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Bibliographic details
Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 40, 15 January 1884, Page 3
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215DUNEDIN MURDER TRIAL. Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 40, 15 January 1884, Page 3
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