BLENHEIM, Wednesday.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 1919, 23 October 1884, Page 2

BLENHEIM, Wednesday.

At the Supreme Court, Judge Richmond, in charging the Grand Jury upon the charge of infanticide against Fanny Bonnington (which was the only indictment on the calender), referred to the reluctance of juries to convict for child murder, even on most convincing evidence. The law on the subject was not in accordance with public sentiment, and ought to be amended, though it was easier to complain of the existing law than to suggest a satisfactory improvement. One would like that the partner of the woman's guilt should share her shame and punishment, but such was not practicable to accomplish. 7'he grand jury found a true bill of concealment of birth only. The prisoner was a domestic servant, and was deliveied of an infant on the night of the 3rd July, its dead body being found in the closet next morning after trial. Prisoner was acquitted on the ground of insanity, and ordered to be detained during the Colonial Secretary's pleasure. Judge Richmond refused an application to day to send the prisoner to the hospital instead of the asylum. His Honour said the girl had got off cheaply, and the usual course ill case of criminal lunatics must be followed.