MORT VERDICT.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 April 1921, Page 5

MORT VERDICT.

GUILTY BUT INSANE. REMOVED TO PENITENTIARY. END OF SENSATIONAL CASE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received April 8, 7.35 p.m. Sydney, April 8. At the Mort trial the Crown Prosecutor said Mrs. Mort’s letters and actions showed that she was strangely neurotic and passionate, and she allowed a friendship to develop into passionate love. Possibly Dr. Tozer’s distinction at the war and as a cricketer were part of the charms exercising this influence over her. Then, when informed that Dr. Tozer intended to marry, she came to the decision that if she’could not have him no othefc woman would.

Doctors gave the opinion that at the time of the tragedy and subsequently accused was emotionally insane. Under examination at the hospital she made remarkable rambling statements, and amongst others she expressed elation at the crime.—Aus. and N.Z: Cable Assn.

Received April 9, 12.50 a.m. Sydney, April 8. At the Mort trial further evidence of accused’s alleged insanity was submitted. A moving-picture producer, who gave Mrs. Mort a part in a picture, said the first time she came to act she was not rational. She spoke of two men who followed her and wanted to kill her, and she added that they were sitting on a seat in the room, though the seat was empty. She also spoke of committing suicide.

The jury returned a verdict of guilty whilst of unsound mind.

The Chief Justice directed that this be changed to “not guilty”, on the ground of insanity. This was done, and the Chief Justice ordered Mrs. Mort’s removal io a penitentiary until the Governor’s pleasure is known.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn.