LEEDS BANK ROBBERY.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 January 1920, Page 5

LEEDS BANK ROBBERY.

"REDFERN ON TRIAL. London, Dec. 17. The coroner's jury found Alfred Redfern, who, was arrested for the shooting of a tank •■manager at Leeds, guilty of murder. A witness, Hawkins,, gave evidence that Redfern was often irresponsible and very excitable. Sometimes it was necessary for six persons, to hold hiin do-ftn.

Rcdf presented a pitiable spectacle when facing a charge of murder and robbery at Leeds. He was carried into the docly, cSnh'efiiig, and unable to stand, and stared tra'nce-like, listening to the preliminary eWde'rice. When . the robbery was described he leaped to his feet and roared "No" in a choking Voice, aild then collapsed on to the floor in a semi-conscious state. His action startled tjie Court. The police gave evidence that Redfern, before liiS arrest, had arranged to le|i-vc for the Continent, accompanied by a woman named Hopkins. Their luggage had been packed and their passports taken. Hopliiiis had since handed over to the police £374.

Members of the bank staff identified fie'dferh.

describing the rohbery and murder for which Redfern was arrested, a message froin London,. fiecemher I*2, stated that the 'burglar entered a baftk at Leeds, and called, out to the manager, Oates, to liold' up his 1 'hands. Oates refused to comply, and attempted to'capturn'the burglar, who Tired his revolver,' killing the manager instantly. He then locked up three assistants in the lavatory, fired through the door, and carried off £4OO, joining two accomplices in a waiting motor-car. Bedfern was arrested ai ItliUL