THE CASHEL STREET MYSTERY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 306, 20 May 1911, Page 5

THE CASHEL STREET MYSTERY

ARGUMENTS BY COUNCIL. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, Friday. In the Sadler trial no evidence was called for the defence. Mr. Stringer, for the Crown, said lie did not suggest a deliberate attempt to poison, which was highly improbable, hut submitted that prussic acid had been administered in mistake for an abortive mixture. The alternative theory was suicide. If the jury believed the theory of accidental killing, they should return a verdict of manslaughter. He mentioned that accused lied about their movements, and made no attempt to procure medicill assistance. He submitted it was a guilty conscience that impelled Sadler to make lying statements. For the defence, Mr. Russell said the Crown had abandoned the murder charge, but evidence had to be overwhelmingly strong to warrant a conviction for manslaughter. Apart from Dr, Symes' evidence, there was nothing to show that prussic acid was the cause of death, He submitted it was used to allay the sickness likely in the early stages of pregnancy, and that might account for the presence of a tenth of a grain in deceased's stomach. GUILTY OF MANSLAUGHTER. THE JURY'S FINDING. Christchurch, Last Night. His Honor, in.Jsumming up, said the verdict of guilty of manslaughter Was the only one the jury wer? asked to find. They must be satisfied beyond' all reasonable doubt that prussic acid had been administered to her, that it had not been administered to her before entering the shop, and, if administered in the shop, that it was beyond a shadow of a doubt a part of an illegal act on the part of Sadler. If they were not satisfied on this point, the case for the Crown must fail. After an hour's retirement, the jury found Sadler guilty of manslaughter, with a strong recommendation to mercy. Application for leave to apply to the Court of Appeal for a new trial was granted, the question of bail being held over for a day.