Sentenced to Death

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 212, 15 February 1915, Page 4

Sentenced to Death

ROTTMA-nN FOUND GUILTY ON EACH COUNT. CONDEMNED MAN'S CALM ACCEPTANCE. "I WILL DIE WITH A GOOD HE A 1(17" By Telegraph.—Per Press Association. Uanganui, February 13. The Supreme Court was occupied to-day with the third day of the Rottnianii trial. The proceedings opened with counsels' addresses.

Mr. Mackay, for the defence, asked for a verdict of not guilty on the grounds of insanity, and proceeded on the lines indicated in Ilia opening address, asking the jury to find that the died was committed while accused was sull'ering from an attack of "mania a potu," induced by alcohol, lie laid particular stress on the evidence of medical men on this point, and showed that Rottmann had been on excellent terms with the McCanns, spending the previous evening in conviviality with them.

THE CLOSING SCENES. "I KNOW NOTHING OF KILLING THE POOR PEOPLE!" Wanganui, Last Night. The jury retired at 12.48 p.m., and returned at 2.10 p.m. with a verdict o£ guilty on each count. Rottmann received the verdict calmly, and, in reply to the usual question, said: "I have only got to say that I have been working for the McCanns since 15th August, 1914, and since that time we have always been on the btfst of terms together, and have not looked for any argument. I have received tho best of treatment, and at any time there could Do no reason, nor did they give me any, for committing the crime. I know nothing of killing, the poor people. Although my country is at war with yours, I have received a fair trial, and if I have to die like my countrymen who are fighting, I will die with a good heart, and leave it to that Great Day for our Good Father in Heaven to judge." liis Honor, before passing sentence, said he was satisfied that the fact of tl'.e German and British nations being at war had nothing to do with the murder, or with, the course of the trial. Rottmann had been found guilty on the plainest evidence, and the verdict was entirely justified. His Honor regretted having to pass sentence af death on so young a man, but the jury had found him guilty after a careful trial. The sentence would be considered by His Majesty's Government, but he need hardly say that there was no hope of reprieve, for not one murder, but three, had been committed, with a full knowledge of the circumstances and of the resuli.

Assuming th c black cap, His Honor said: "You will be taken from here to tlic place of execution, and there will be hung by your necK until you are dead." His Honor added fervently: "May God have mercy on your soul." In dismissing the jury, His Honor said lie was fully in accord with the verdict.