INFORMER’S TRIAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 March 1922, Page 5

INFORMER’S TRIAL.

BETRAYER OF NURSE CAVELL. A PECULIAR TYPE. ATTEMPT AT LYNCHING By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, March 20. The greatest espionage trial in Belgium has opened at. the Hainault assizes. Armand Jeannes, denounced as the informer against Nurse Cavell, is charged with espionage and treason. The prisoner, who was cool, surveyed the crowded court with the utmost assurance. It is expected the trial will last several weeks. Received. March 22, 10.40 p.m. London, March 21. The Daily 'Telegraph’s Brussels correspondent states that the trial of Armand Jeannes, charged with the betrayal of Nurse Cavell and other Allied nationals, is producing most sensational incidents.

The evidence shows that Jeannes is a most curious type, and the product of modern unhealthy detective literature. He took a mad. and passionate, interest in police work, which was the only thing he did well during his whole idle life. He has a mania known aa “policeana,” a new form of insa.nity. His self assurance is colossal. He has a trick of gnashing his teeth, which, combined with a malignant circular glance, conveys a sinister impression. Jeannes is defended by an officially .appointed counsel, others refusing to act voluntarily. When the prisoner arrived at the court a multitude of men and women howled with rage and bitterness, the police intervening to save Jeannes from the fury of the mob. who otherwise would assuredly have lynched him. — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.