HUSBAND'S RASH ACTION.

Taihape Daily Times, 17 May 1919, Page 7

HUSBAND'S RASH ACTION.

ATTACK ON HIS WIFE

WELLINGTON, May 14

At the Supreme Court, John Jam OS Joseph 'Lee was charged with having attempted to murder his wife, Olive Alicia Lee on February 27. Mr Macassey, who prosecuted on behalf of the Crown, said the accused had beep on erviee in amoa, and upon his return married hi.s present wife. He thou went again on active service, and upon his return, in March, 1918, made accusations against his wife. The accusations, said Mr Macassey, were absolutely without foundation. While his wife was ill, the accused treated her with consideration, but at other times he displayed great jealousy. Ultimately his wife decided to leave him, and instituted proceedings with the idea of securing a legal separation. The actual offence was alleged tc have taken in Constable street, when he was in conversation with his wife in a doorway. It was alleged he cut her about the throat and face and hands with a razor.

Olivia Alicia Lcc gave evidence as to her relations with accused, whom she said was very suspicious of lier, and r;aclc her a perfect prisoner. He made grave and absolutely untrue allegations against her, so ultimately she left him. as she thought he was insane. In all she left him three times. On one occasion Lee said he wGuld never let her gel. out. of the house alive if she attempted to leave him, and if she did get "away he would do for her in the end. as he would follow her all over New Zealand; also he had said if shedid not. go to her mother's house he would be quit? different to her. Counsel for the defence called no witnesses. He said the effect of illness •suffered by -Lee and hardships lie had endured had resulted in his mind becoming distracted and unhinged. This,

In conjunction with the domestic troubles had made him irritable and possibly unreasonable. The jury returned a verdict of guilty oil wounding, and prisoner was remanded to -Saturday for sentence,