JUMP FROM EXPRESS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 85, 11 April 1931, Page 3 (Supplement)

JUMP FROM EXPRESS.

INSANITY PLEA FAILS. HARD LABOUR SENTENCE IN ARSON CASE. "I am satisfied that you are much more bad than you are mad," said Mr. Justice Avory, at the Old Bailey, in sentencing Ralph Wilfred Hopkins (30), to twenty months' hard labour. Hopkins was charged with setting fire to his house at Talbot Road, Tottenham. A prison doctor had expressed the view that Hopkins was insane and unfit to take his trial, but accused having protested >that he was capable of instructing counsel, the judge appointed Mr. Chapman to defend him. According to the prosecution, when the i Tottenham fire brigade was called to accused's house they found the front door barricaded, petrol thrown over the furni- | ture, the gaspipe cut, and, in two different j cupboards, petrol cans turned upside down. "All Througti My Wife." Hopkins, who was seen leaving the house just before the fire, was arrested at Win borne, Dorset. He then said: "This is all through the wife. There is another man in the case. How many years do you think I will get for this?" Oil the way back, between Maiden and Raynes Park, while the train was traveling at 50 miles an hour, he jumped out of the window on to the line. He was injured and taken to hospital. Dr. Grierson said tiiat from inquiries he had made he thought Hopkins was suffering from delusions concerning his wife. He said his wife was the cause of his appendicitis. ■ I lie Judge: Plenty of sane people blame their wives for a good many things. Revolver Find. , Hopkins was found guilty of arson. An inspector said that at one time Hopkins had a shop at Brighton, where he was suspected of frauds. He afterwards failed to attend a public examination in bankruptcy, and a warrant was issued for hie arrest. When his wife obtained a separation summons the police went to Hopkins' house and took possession of a Service revolver and 300 rounds of ammunition. The judge told Hopkins he had no doubt he perfectly 'well appreciated at the time that he was committing this offence, probably out of spite towards his wife, against whom he thought lie had some grievance. She evidently thinks that she has a greater grievance against you," added Mr. Justice Avory.