A LUNATIC'S CRIME.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 173, 25 August 1909, Page 2

A LUNATIC'S CRIME.

THE FOXTCA SIJUUTIXtI CASK. fiLAP MCTP (IX TUIAL. By Teiegraph.-i'ns, Association. ■"almcisi,,,, x., T, u . ;,.. The-Poxt-.m munlci- case. i„ vv i,:"-], Hedhiy Xye was charged with shooting ns father came o„ before Air. ,1,,5,:^ coper and a jure this mornimr. M r C. A. Louglman appeared for the Crown and Mr. T. M. Vulford f„r tide defence. An alternative count of i„a> ■ ' ■,'l-_'ll!i'V was also preferred a"aiust t ! 'e prisoner. ' '"'

by consent of the Court, HI Whether .■icu.s,..! was a mute of r.uljee or l,y V i-=:'.:;! ion of Cod; fi l Whether he was sane or not. ''■'■■■ deuce was called to show that ,u----cu-eu had heeu a deaf mute nil his if - and the jury, without leaving the box lonnd accused to he a mute' by yWi x . lion from Cod. On the second and third rseues counsel said lie would hring ~vii.ence to show that accused was a victim of delusions. Accused hclieveil hi« lather was still alive and in the house. Another delusion was that of a Reuse "| grandeur anil that he could sec in '!"" dark. Counsel hud tried to question accused but his answers were wild and unintelligible. I)r Crosby, Medical Superintendent at Mount View Asylum, Wellington, gave the opinion that accused was a uuiatie and unable In plead. Dr. Gilmer, AVcllington, nave corn--boinlivo evidence dating that the boy behaved like „ wild animal. Dr. Martin. I'alnierston, said he had <«., hours with accused on the previous night and had lonnd [hat the delusions mentioned b v other witnesses were .inne fixed. Accused was dcgenoralhw physically. Other evidence went to show that accused was of unsound ,„i„,|. Alter the .Indge's charge, the jury. «'t out having | hl . hox, brought 'in'a verdiel of lunacy. Accused was ordered lobe placed in t h,. Porirua Mental llospial during the pleasure of the Minuter of Internal Affairs.