ATTACK ON WIFE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 257, 31 October 1933, Page 3

ATTACK ON WIFE.

GORDON FOUND GUILTY. INSANITY PLEA FAILS. A verdict of guilty of assault so ae to cause actual bodily harm, and also of attempted suicide, was returned by the jury against John Shaw Gordon at the Supreme Court yesterday afternoon. The charges were a sequel to an affray in accused's home at 71, Grange Road, Mount Eden, on the morning of August 30, when he attacked his wife with a hammer and then cut his throat with a razor. Mr. Rudd, for accused, pleaded insanity, and evidence in rebuttal was given on behalf of the Crown by mental experts. In addressing the jury, Mr. Rudd emphasised the complete absence of motive. On the question of insanity, he contended that if there was any doubt the jury was entitled to rely on the evidence of one doctor, which was that accused was insane. Mr. Justice ' Smith said that there could be no doubt that accused intended to commit suicide. It had been said that he was suffering from some sort of delusion which prevented him from knowing that the act was wrong. On the other hand, two skilled doctors had certified that Gordon was sane. When the jury returned its verdict, accused was remanded until to-morrow morning for sentence.