A REPRIEVED MURDERER.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 December 1920, Page 5

A REPRIEVED MURDERER.

MAY BE RELEASED ON PROBATION,

By Telegraph.—Pres» Association

Christchureh, Last Night. In Christchurch, on November 17, 1900, Arthur J. W. Roberts was found guilty of the murder of a, waitress in the Silver Grid restaurant, Manchester Street. Roberts was sentenced to death, but the sentence was afterwards commuted to imprisonment for life. The Prison" Board has now decided to recommend Roberts for release on probation in twelve months time, provided his conduct and industry give satisfaction in the meantime, and his mental condition remains as at present. At Roberts' trial it was disclosed that he was in love with the girl lie murdered, but that he was not the only suitor. Roberts apparently became jealous, and after gaining admittance to the girl's room committed the crime. He then bolted, but was arrested a day or two afterwards. The defence put forward by Mr. W. J. Hunter at the trial was that of insanity. While the jury was not convinced that insanity had been established, it had doubts as to Roberts's mental condition at the time of the murder.

It was Mr. Hunter who made representations to the Prison Board for the prisoner's release, claiming that prison life had wrought a wonderful improvement in his physical and mental condition, and that if he were released he would go to Scotland and start afresh there.' Roberts is now about 32 years old.