SUPPLE'S TRIAL.

Southland Times, Issue 1291, 9 August 1870, Page 3

SUPPLES TRIAL.

■ , Gerald Henry, Supple baa been tried for the murder; of John £jesnan Walshe, and, after an investigation of nearly 12 hours, has been found guilty of -wilful murder, the jury adding it was their unanimous opinion that the pistol went, off accidentally. The court was crowded throughout the proceedings, several I friends of the accused being amongst the spectators. The prisoner, who was neatly dressed in black, and who wore blue spectacles, seemed thoroughly calm and self-possessed, and stood in the dock, either with his arms folded, or with his elbows on one of the posts, his head reclining on his hand. " When Mr GK P. Smith commenced his evidence, the prisoner's brows contracted, his attention appeared awakened, and he gazed with an intense fixity at the spot from which the witness's voice proceeded. Mr Smith once or twice cast his eyes ' in the direction of the accused, but with an almost imperceptible shudder withdrew them immediately, and turned round so that he could not see the dock. At the conclusion of the Crown Prosecutor's charge to the jury, a sigh of relief was heard through I the stillness that pervaded, the prisoner shading his eyes with one hand, and peering round the court. "When it was being urged that the accused could have no motive for attempting the life of Mr Smith, the former, m a steady but low voice, observed, " There was no other war of dealing with an assassin of character. Mr Higinbotham, who defended the prisoner, assisted by Dr Dobson, made an impressive speech, during which he was twice or thrice nearly overcome by emotion. When it was urged that Mr Supple was insane, the accused placed his head between his hands, and his elbows on the dock, seemingly annoyed that such a plea should be made ; and after remaining in that position for a short time, stood erect, took on? his spectacles, wiped them carei fully, and replaced them on his face. He ! interrupted px M'Crea while that gentleman was giving his evidence, saving he thought his statement written in gaol should be read, and made the same remark when his Honor was summing-up, to which latter observation the Judge stated he would have an opportunity of saying what he had to _aay. _ His^Honorl told the jury, if they found the accused guilty, they were to state if they thought the weapon went off accidentally or not. During the time the jury were absent, the prisoner stood behind the dock, vexed that so much time should be taken in arriving at a verdict ; and took his place inside with alacrity when informed the jury were coming into court. When the verdict had been given, he made an attempt to speak, but was removed by the gaol officials ; the verdict making no visible effect on him. The judge intimated that he would reserve the point submitted, and the court adjourned until the next } day. — Daily Telegraph.