CHEERS IN OLD BAILEY

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 268, 2 February 1928, Page 11

CHEERS IN OLD BAILEY

DRAMATIC END TO MURDER TRIAL SON WHO TOOK BLAME By Cable. — Press Association.—Copyriyh \ Reed. 12.45 p.m. LONDON, Wed. There was a dramatic scene in the Old Bailey to-day, when William Rust, aged 21, charged with the murder of his father and two young brothers, was acquitted. Spectators burst out cheering. The Chief Justice, ordered the court to be cleared, and then, turning to Rust, he said “You are exceedingly fortunate in your jury.” Rust’s evidence was to the effect that his father had accused his mother of unfaithfulness, and at his father's request he brought his brothers for the purpose of putting them to bed. Returning later, he saw his father cutting his throat. He snatched the razor, and dragged his father into the bedroom, where he saw his brothers lying dead. He took the blame because he did not want the fact about his mother revealed. A doctor gave evidence that the wound was consistent with suicide. —A. and N.Z. An earlier message slated: A sensation was caused at the Old Bailey when William Rust, aged 21. was being tried on a charge of murdering his father and his two young brothers. Counsel for the prosecution suggested that Rust saw red on hearing his father say he had evidence of his mother’s infidelity. and would kill her lover. Rust thought the best thing would be to kill all who were likely to suffer from his mother's action. Rust's counsel, in outlining the defence, said the real explanation was utterly different.