CHARGE OF MURDER.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8446, 23 May 1907, Page 5

CHARGE OF MURDER.

TRIAL OF CLAUDE PAGET. By Telegraph—Press Association. , WELLINGTON, May 22. At the trial of Oaude Paget for the murder of Pearl Axup, to-day, pr. Borgetti, eye specialist, called by counsel for the accused, said he found Paget was suffering from optic atrophy, which meant degeneration of the optic nerve. There was an abnormal dilation of the pupil which was consistent, with spinal disorder and which accompanies the early stages of locomotor ataxia. Optic atrophy was a sign of degeneration of the nervous system. It was possible for atrophy of the optic nerve to be caused by extravasation of blood due to a blow.

Cross-examined, he said he did not suggest that the accused had optic atrophy to an extent to suggest any brain disease. Accused had spinal trouble, incipient locomotor ataxia. He also had as-?-tigmatism of the -eyes, but not myopic astigmatism. Dr. Crosbie, .Medical Superintendent of the Mount View Asylum, said he was satisfied that Paget was an epileptic. Counsel: "Do you believe a man in a state of epilepsy might even commit an act wkuout knowing what was taking place?" Witness: "I do; he would have no knowledge and no recollection." Dr. Gbw, Medical Superintendent of Sunnyside Asylum, said he thought the accused was suffering from epilepsy. The man was insane, and should have been locked up three or four years ago.

Dr Collins said he had come to the conclusion that the accused was an epileptic.

This concluded the evidence for the defence.

Dr. Kendal, an eye specialist, called by the Crown, said he had examined accused's eyes, and found no trace of optic atrophy. The dilation of his eyes was not abnormal. It was due to an error of refraction.

Dr. Henry, the gaol surgeon, said he had not noticed anything strikingly peculiar about the accused. The Court was, at this stage, adjourned until to morrow.