MACKAY CASE.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 May 1920, Page 5

MACKAY CASE.

THE PRISONER SENTENCED. | | FIFTEEN YEARS' HARD LABOR. By Telejiaph.—Press Association. Wanganui, May 28. Charles Evan Mackay, who pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted murder, was brought up for sentence in the Supreme Court this morning. In addressing his Honor on behalf of accused, Air. Treadwell said that after a very careful and serious consideration by himself and his friend Mr. Macbeth, to whose assistance he was deeply indebted, it was decided that the only course which under the circumstances was the only honorable course that could bo pursued, was that Mackay should plead guilty. His Honor would readily realise that in advising accused to plead guilty on such a serious charge Mr. Macbeth nnd the speaker had assumed a heavy responsibility and had hesitated considerably before taking this course. It was his duty to exonerate CressweH, and lie did this with the full concurrence and approval of accused, from any blame whatever. He fully acknowledged the fact that no blame could be attached to Creaswell, and that 110 one could with justification reflect in any way upon the character and action of Cresswell, which must meet with the commendation of all rightthinking men, Proceeding, Mr. Treadwell said accused was a man of considerable scholastic attainments, a member of an honorable ■profession, and until recently he occupied the highest position his fellow citizens could bestow, and now he was in this position. Some cause must be sought for. The reason, Mr. Treadwell thought, would be found and be the subject of regret and deep concern, and he gave it in justification of accused and in the hope of somewhat mitigating the sentence. Inquiries had been made, and it had been found that for a number of years accused had been suffering from homo-sexual monomania. Mr. Treadwell said he had gone considerably into the matter with accused, and thought he was justified in speaking of. the efforts accused had made to cAre himself. He had consulted doctors and metaphysicians. Mr, Treadwell said he had statements from one of the doctors and one of the metaphysicians accused had consulted, which he would hand to his Honor.

Referring to the shooting, Mr. Treadwell said it was a matter of common knowledge that for some months accused had been suffering from mental strain, and this, together with the throat of exposure, unhinged his mind.

Mr. Treadwell concluded by appealing to his Honor to temper justice with mercy.

His Honor, addressing Mackay, said he was very sorry to see him in this, position. He had known accused and his family for many years. Accused was one of the most brilliant of university students, his career since had been good, and he had held the highest position in the city; now he was in the dock.

His Honor said the attempt at murder was an impulsive act, as was shown by Cresswell's statement. He had been asked to exercise his functions with compassion and mercy, but it should be remembered that this was ail attack on a human life. The ideal of justice was that human life should be kept sacred, otherwise the community was doomed.

His Honor said he still hoped Mackay would redeem himself. He had taken the first, step in thai direction by pleading guilty. He then sentenced accused to 15 years' hard labor.