“BLUEBEARD” ON TRIAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 November 1921, Page 5

“BLUEBEARD” ON TRIAL.

REMARKABLE PARIS CASE. LANDRU’S GUILT ASSUMED. By Telegraph-.—-Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Nov. 13, 5.5 p.m. Paris, Nov. rS. Landru’s trial is proceeding with curious monotony, the judge detailing the life story of each woman, what she was worth, and when and she was lost to human kin. Then he cross-examined Landru, who repeats that he was a furniture dealer and that his relations with women were purely copimercial. The evidence included the case of Madame Guillin, who annouxceC her coming marriage with Landru, telling her friend she was delighted with the idea of crossing the seas,, as Landru had been appointed French Consul in Australia. Nevertheless, the strain of continual examination is telling upon the prisoner, he finding it increasingly difficult to keep his temper, especially as the judge continually assumes Landru guilty. There is no assumption of a prisoner’s innocence until proved guilty as in England. Following a remark of the prosecuting counsel Landru burst out: “I can see you want my head; I am sorry I have not two to offer you." This witticism was greeted with a shout of indignation all over the court and Landru saw the blunder, flushed angrily, and resumed his earlier polite manner.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.