ONE HOUR’S CRIME A YEAR.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8924, 18 September 1907, Page 3

ONE HOUR’S CRIME A YEAR.

A pale-faced clover-looking woman with a wealth of dark auburn hair stood in tho dock at Brentford poilce court while an amazing story was told. Her name was Ada Beuouf aud tho charge against her was that of stealing four small ornaments from outside an Ealing shop. At the first hearing a week before the prisoner pleaded piteously to be al ■ lowed to go home to her baby. Dr. Noil tho police surgeon said he had had the prisoner under observation for a week, aud found that she was afflicted with minor epilepsy. Tiie complaint might only seize th? victim for one hour per year. She might then wander out and do most extraordinary things, and yet have not the slightest recollection of them when she returned home. Tho Magistrate: Is not this very unusual. The Doctor: It is well recognised iu the medical profession, aud I have read of such cases in books. Tho patiout should never bo left alone, as one oauuot tell when the fit is coming "on.® The Magistrate expressed surprise that the husband, who was a schoolmaster, and only came home week-ends, had not thought it worth while to attend the court, although he knew of tho charge. Prisoner, who was said to bo an accomplished musician, was discharged aud handed over to her sister-in-law.