MURDERED CONSTABLE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 279, 15 February 1928, Page 1

MURDERED CONSTABLE

TWO MEN CHARGED STORY OF LONG SEARCH By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright. LONDON, Tuesday. The two men, Kennedy and Browne, who are charged with the murder of Constable Gutteridge on a lonely Essex Road on September 27 were brought up for trial to-day and were remanded. Sir Travers Humphreys, Crown Prosecutor, said Browne was found in possession of a pair of medical forceps, which were believed to have been stolen from Dr. Lovell’s motor-car, and also of bullets similar to that found in Gutteridge’s head. Further, Kennedy, when arrested, made a statement to the effect that he did not murder Gutteridge, but was present when he was killed and knew who did. A dramatic story of the arrest of the two men was then related by Sir Travers, who traced the history of the murder. He told of the prolonged and fruitless search by Scotland Yard officers and how. nearly four months afterwards, the suspicions of the police were centred on the accused. REVOLVER CLUE The prosecutor said the police visited a garage at Clapham conducted by Browne. There Kennedy was employed and has lived at the rear of the premises with his wife. Browne was arrested after a watch had been kept up by a squad of detectives. He was charged with stealing a Vauxhall motor-car. Four revolvers were found, two in a side pocket of the car, a loaded one in Browne’s pocket and one inside the house. There were also several doctor’s articles which Dr. Lovell would swear were his property and were in the car when it was stolen. One revolver was loaded with Mark IV. bullets, which were extremely uncommon yet identical with those which killed Gutteridge. Referring to the revolvers, Browne was alleged to have said: “You have found them. I am done for now.” Later he was alleged to have said: “If you had found me in the car I would have shot you and saved the other weapon for myself.” KENNEDY’S ADMISSION Describing the arrest of Kennedy at Liverpool, counsel said accused placed the barrel of a revolver against tho ribs of Detective Mathieson. who closed with him. The revolver misfired. According to a statement put in by Sir Travers, Kennedy saw his wife in the presence of the police and said: “These officers are inquiring about the murder of a policeman in Essex.” The man’s wife said: “You did not murder him, did you?” Kennedy replied: “No! But I was there, and I know who did.” Sir Travers referred to a scene at the police station, where Kennedy made a statement. This was not read owing to counsel for the defence raising an objection. Sir Travers outlined the events which preceded the statement. He said when Gutteridge’s murder was mentioned Kennedy asked permission to see his wife, to whom he said: “If I am found guilty of murder I shall be hanged and you will be a widow. On the other hand, if I am charged as an accessory and face a lengthy term of imprisonment will you wait for me?” His wife replied: “I will wait any time.” Kennedy said: “Then what shall I do?” Mrs. Kennedy replied: “Tell the gentlemen the truth.” Counsel said Kennedy then stated: “All right Take down what I want to say and I will sign it.”—A. and N.Z.-Sun.