Doctor’s Evidence In Murder Trial

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32036, 10 July 1969, Page 30

Doctor’s Evidence In Murder Trial

(New Zealand Press Association) GREYMOUTH, July 9. Raymond Charles Bellis probably could not understand the nature of the act when he shot Joseph Edward Gillan, a doctor said in evidence in the Supreme Court today.

Bellis, aged 53, single, a carpenter, of Gladstone, is charged with shooting Mr Gillan, a 46-year-old widower, of Greymouth, at 10 Thomas

Road, Gladstone, about 8.30 p.m. on March 21. He has pleaded not guilty. Mr J. D. Cadenhead, of Greymouth, and Mr J. S. Bisphan, of Christchurch, are representing Bellis. The case for the Crown is being presented by Mr D. J. Tucker, with him Mr A. M. Jamieson. Mr Justice Wilson is on the bench. Dr T. E. Hall, superintendent of Sunnyside Hospital, said he was of the opinion that Bellis probably could not understand the nature of the act. and did not know that what he was doing was morally wrong. He said that at the time of the shooting Bellis was suffering from a diseased mind. “In this state his thinking would slow up, so he could not reason in a logical manner. Nor could he effectively judge his actions.”