Crown Case Ends In Murder Trial

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29747, 14 February 1962, Page 14

Crown Case Ends In Murder Trial

(New Zealand Press Association)

HAMILTON, Feb. 13.

Evidence for the Crown was completed late this afternoon in the trial of Patrick William Smith, aged 27, a linesman, of Hamilton, who is charged with the murder of Heather Lilian Griffiths, aged 17. a telephonist, at Tokoroa, on December 30. The trial is before Mr Justice Spratt Mr K. L. Sandford, with him Mr D. W. McMullin, is appearing for the Crown and Mr A. P. Williams for Smith, who has pleaded not guilty. Detective Sergeant S. T. Bennett produced a statement which, he said, he had taken from Smith on December 30. Smith said he emigrated to New Zealand in 1957 and took up employment with the Post Office as a linesman at Tokoroa. He became acquainted with Heather Griffiths, and went steady with her for 18 months or two years. He visited her house on occasions. Two months before December 30 she told Smith their relationship was finished. There was a "bit Of a row about it.” Her parents said they did not like “Pommies” and Smith was annoyed about this. Smith later moved to Hamilton. Miss Griffiths rang him up on the night of December 26 and asked him to go to Tokoroa on December 30. He agreed and he took a rifle with him. the alleged statement continued. He stopped the car in a street at Tokoroa and waited for the girl. She came along and they talked for a time. "I took up the rifle and pointed it and pulled the trigger. I pointed it at her for a joke and said ‘I will kill you.’ I just pressed the trigger,” said the statement. Smith said he then panicked, reloaded the rifle, picked up the body and put it in the car.

To Mr Williams, the witness said he did not regard Smith as a suspect after toe

first investigation at Matthews’ house. There were three possibilities—accident, suicide and murder—and he thought Smith was the only man who could offer a solution.

He asked Smith to show him where the toooting took place before the formal interview with him took place, said the witness

After interviewing the dead girl’s parents he disregarded the theory of suicide and was left with the alternative of accident or murder. Witness said he did not caution Smith until he had proceeded some way with the statement.

Smith read the statement and initialled it, and before signing it he wrote: “I have read this statement, and it is true.”

The trial will continue tomorrow.