DEMENTED FATHER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 January 1939, Page 6

DEMENTED FATHER

FOUND WITH THROAT CUT AFTER MAKING ATTACK ON SON. EARLY MORNING OCCURRENCE IN HASTINGS. (By Telegraoh—Press Association.) HASTINGS, This Day. A shocking tragedy occurred at a home in Evenden Road at about three this morning, when Donald McLean, aged 52, attacked his eldest son with a broom-handle and was later found in the backyard, with his throat cut. Apparently McLean and his five children retired at the usual time last evening, Mrs McLean being absent in hospital, where she underwent an operation a few days ago. The children say that their father appeared worried, but otherwise everything appeared normal. At about 3 o’clock, the children were awakened by screams from the eldest son, Kenneth McLean, aged 14, whom they found being beaten by their father. The children rushed to a neighbour’s and Kenneth followed a minute or two later, having succeeded in escaping through his bedroom window. The police were immediately summoned. On arrival they found Donald McLean lying in the grass in the backyard. about 30 feet from the house, with his throat cut.

Kenneth McLean was suffering from injuries to his head received when his father attacked him with a broomhandle. He received medical attention, and was taken to Memorial Hospital. His condition is not regarded as serious.