"YOU ARE AN ASSASSIN!"

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 179, 7 January 1915, Page 4

"YOU ARE AN ASSASSIN!"

SENSATION IN THE NORTON ' j DIVORCE. : WELL-KNOWN lAUTHOR IN THE DOCK, CHARGES 01? LYING AND FALSE PRETENCE. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Received 0, 11.15 p.m. Sydney, January 6. Grant Ilervey appeared in Court , to answer the charge of falsely pretending to John Norton that lie had misconducted himself on two occasions with Mrs Norton, and then made a wilful falsa promise that he would supply information which would enable Norton to discover Mr.!. Norton misconducting herself witli Jlervey, toy means of which false promise Ilervey attempted to obtain from Norton £2OO with intent to defraud.

Detectives gave evidence that, secreted in the adjoining room in the Truth office, they heard accused state that he could supply certain valuable information to enable. Norton to obtain the custody of his child. Hervey produced a diary, purporting to contain proofs ,of misconduct with Mrs. Norton on two occasions, and he stated that he could arrange for further misconduct, and enable Norton to catch them flagrante delicto within a week. Accused asked for £IOO down, and £IOO when the business was completed, and signed a document, affirming his statements. 'Next day Hervey oalied again, and said, "Everything is arranged. It will take place near the house. I will strike a match as a signal."

When confronted with the detectives, Hervey admitted that lie was preparing a statement. He denied misconduct. ' Later, in reply to Mrs. Norton's question respecting his assertion, accused said: "It's in the document, but it is untrue."

Mrs. Norton denied misconduct with accused, adding that Hervey was her principal witness in the divorce suit against her husband. Norton corroborated the detective's evidence.

Hervey pleaded not guilty, reserved his defence, and was committed for trial. While Norton was signing the depositions, Mrs. Norton shouted: "You are an assassin! You ought to be thrashed! You are assassinating the good name of your wife and children!"