AIDE PARK INCIDENT CASE CONTINUED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 181, 1 August 1936, Page 9

AIDE PARK INCIDENT CASE CONTINUED.

COURT'S DECISION.

McMahon Committed For Trial.

THREE GHARCxES LAID,

United Press Association.—Copyright,

(Received 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, July 31

The hearing was resumed to-day of the case against George Andrew McMahon in connection with the Hyde Park Corner incident during the passing of that point by the King.

Accused is charged with being in possession of a revolver, and also, under the Police Act, 1842, with presenting at the person of His Majesty a revolver, with intent to break the public peace, and with producing a revolver near the--person of His Majesty with intent to alarm His Majesty.

McMahon was committed for trial oil all three charges.

Driving rain 110 doubt contributed to the lack of interest in the proceedings. Although elaborate arrangements had been made by the police to control crowds, only six people awaited the opening of the Court, which rapidly filled up later, however.

Counsel for the accused, Mr. Kerstein, recalled Detective-Inspector Kidd, who said he believed McMahon possessed a fiiearm at some time, Mr. Iverstein then announced that he was calling no other witnesses with the excejition of the accused.

McMahon limped into the witnessbox. He was wearing the same brown suit as before. He seemed to be undecided whether to stand or to sit, clutched the rail tightly and then sat down. Accused's Story from Witness-Box. In evidence the accused said he had communicated certain information to Scotland \ard in 1933, and as a result had been dismissed from the secretaryship of a sports club. He was arrested on a charge of criminal libel and sentenced to one year's imprisonment. The conviction was quashed 011 ajipeal after three and a half months' imprisonment.

The publicity in connection with his trial had prevented him from obtaining employment when he was released. He had asked the Home Office foV compensation for his unjust imprisonment. This was refused, and therefore he sent a petition to the King in August, 1934.

The petition read as follows:—"As a loyal subject I crave your kind condescension and appeal for justice. I am a young married • man and am disabled. I have done much valuable social work, and am the only social worker who ever received a presentation from 'down and outs' for whom lie laboured.

"In the course of my labours for mv less fortunate fellows I received information regarding the conduct of two detective-sergeants in West London division. I communicated with Scotland Yard and begged the Chief Constable to investigate the matter.

"Later I was taken to a police station, invited to withdraw my allegations, and induced to sign a paper. I was told the matter was ended after , a shake of the hand. Eight days later my employer told me the police had advised him to dismiss me.

"I called on the Chief .Constable to demand an explanation, after which I was arrested. The Court of Appeal stated that my trial was an improper one. I am ruined, financially and physically."

Threatening Letters Denied. Speaking in a low tone, with a slight Scottish accent, McMahon denied that he had ever, communicated with the late King or the present King, or with any other authority threatening their lives. Accused said he published a paper, the "Human Gazette." It was nonsectarian and non-political and nothing in it was disloyal or unpatriotic. He obtained a revolver and cartridges it the end of 1935, because he was doin.i certain work and imparting information to the authorities which nececsl ta,ted carrying a revolver for his ow:: safety. Asked what he expected Sir John Simon, Home Secretary, to dQ, McMahon replied that he thought he would order an immediate investigation. That was why he made the letter appear rather harsh. Describing his feelings during the procession, accused said he saw people happy and contented, and he remembered he had hardly the price of a meal. He wondered what was the good of living and was going to shoot himself. Then he thought of how distracted' his wife would be and cast the thought aside. Accused Sobs Bitterly. McMahon broke down and sobbed bitterly. Continuing, he said: "The idea struck me that if only I could draw the Kihg's attention to the wrongs I had suffered, at least he would not allow a subject to be so treated.

"I intended to bring my paper under the notice of His Majesty, knowing that I would be arrested and that the King would do something to demand an explanation. Before I could realise it I remembered about the gun. As His Majesty emerged from beneath the Wellington Arch I put my hand in my pocket and drew it out. I waited a few moments and when the Kin" was approaching I threw it from me."

Mr. Kerstein: How did you throw it?

McMahon: I stooped and.it slithered along the footway.

Counsel: Did you intend to hit any thing or anybody?

McMahon: No. ' Counsel: Did you throw It in the direction of His Majesty's horse ? McMahon: No. It was very much ahead of His Majesty.