The Dunedin Shooting Case.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7906, 23 August 1905, Page 2

The Dunedin Shooting Case.

Accused on Trial. j Found "Temporarily Insane." (Per Press Association.) DUNBDIN, Aug. 22, At the Supreme Court to-day, Allan CJunh Maogregor was charged ] with attempting to murder William Ernest Sargood, of Sargood, Hon, and Ewcn. Maogregor Wfis inanag.r of one of Sargood's factories, and was spoken to by Mr Sargood ajbout his drinking, and told to sou biro (Surg rod) next morning. Shortly afterwurda he purchased a revolver and cartridges, drove to Mr Sargood's residence, aild when the latter consented to speak to him iirod a shot just at he was entering the drawingroom, the shot entering Mr Sargood's check and Coming out at the fcpek of the ear. The evidence was on much ,tho soma lipes as that given aiti the Police Court. No evidence was oallea for the defence, which was conducted by Messra W. C. McGregor and Hank®. Counsel, in Ws address to the jury, said it was evident accused did not intend to kill Mr Sargood—a most( considerate employer and kind 1 friend. On Mr Ewen asking him if he wjaS mad, he replied : "Yes, I am mad.' Undoubtedly the man was mad when he committed the act-. No more convincing proof was needed that accused 'did not intend to murder Mr Sargood than the lattdr'S magnanimous Conduct in writing te accused in gaol, and offering to do what he could for accused's little girl. Counsel contended that accused had gone to the house to give up the keys. of the factory, and putting his hand in his pocket unfortunately drew out a revolver. He asked ijhe jury to acquit the accused of the more seriou® charge. After fifty minutes' retirement the jujy returned with a verdict that accused shot Mr Sjargood while temporarily insajtie. In reply to the judge, tho foreman said they; could mot get aw a y from the faot that accused shot Sargood, but at the same time they iwere unanimous that he was not in his right mind at the time. His Honour made an order that accused should be kept in strict custody in gaol ali Dunedin till -the Colonial Sec notary's pleasure was known.