Stiletto Story in Stadium Death

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 367, 23 February 1937, Page 8

Stiletto Story in Stadium Death

MEN WHO RESCUED A WARDER Found guilty at the Old Bhiley of the ihanslhUghter of Massimino MonteColombo at Wahdsworth Greyhound Stadium, Bert Marsh (35), of Cavendish Mansions, Clerkenwell, wrs sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, and Herbert Wilkins (23), Of Sekfojbde street, Ulerkenwell, to riine months. Bdth men, while on remand in Brixton Prison, saved a warder when he was attacked by h powerful mhih The incident was considered by Mr Justice Macnaughten in determining their sentence. He said:

“For both of you 1 intend to take into consideration that you came forward to save a watder from what might have been his death. “That was a service for which you will gain reduction of the sentence, it is impossible for me., to overlook the facts, however. “The jury have rejected as untrue che evidence v6u gave. 1 agree with their verdict. 1 have no doubt that this irian met With his death because each of you used'Knives.” He added that he would consider that Marsh had for some years shown an amendment of his ways and that Wilkins was young.

Marsh turned to the judge and said calmly, “Thank you very much, my Lord.” Wilkins also tried to thank the judge, but could not be heard above a whisper.

Originally the two men were accused of murdering Monte-Colombo and with attempting to murder his brother Camillo.

The charges arose out of the *‘dogtxraek fight” on September 1. Marsh said that Massimino struck him on the head and Camillo kicked him. He did not strike either of them, and he had no weapon. Wilkins said he saw Camillo MonthColombd confix from behind and punch Marsh. Marsh fell, and Massimino hit him on the head with a life preserver. Marsh tried to get up, and as he did so Camillo kicked him. Wiikihs said he went to. save Marsh, who whs his friend: Massimino struck him (Wilkins) on the head with a life preserver. He fell and CairiiMo struck out with a stool.

‘I tried to protect myself,” said Wilkins. “I saw a stiletto on the ground. I picked it up and struck out with it. I did not mean to injure anybody.”