JUDGE AND JURY DIFFER

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 200, 12 November 1927, Page 1

JUDGE AND JURY DIFFER

MANSLAUGHTER VERDICT GAMEKEEPER SHOT DEAD til Cable. —Press Association. —Copyright LONDON, Friday. The jury returned a verdict of mandaughter at the trial of Enoch Dix, charged with the murder of William Walker, a gamekeeper on the Earl of Temple’s estate. The judge said he did not wish to eriticise the finding of the jury, but he tas totaly unable to agree with it. Sentence was deferred. Dix’s defence was that an underkeeper with Walker tired first at him (accused). He was hit and he automatically clenched one hand, discharging his gun and killing Walker. Elaborate plans and experimental targets had been prepared for the jury and counsel, and both sides demonstrated their respective theories by means of these. —A. and N.Z. The original cablegram recording the case referred to in the message was dated October 12. It said: —The third brutal murder in England within a short period Is reported. William Walker, gamekeeper on the Earl of Temple’s estate at Bristol, was shot at mignight by poachers. Mr. Walker, who was accompanied by a younger gamekeeper, heard shots and kept watch. The poachers approached and when face to face with Mr. Walker the latter challenged them. One man lifted a rifle and fatally shot Mr. Walker. The police subsequently arrested Enoch Dix, aged 32.