SKEFFINGTON'S DEATH

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2791, 8 June 1916, Page 5

SKEFFINGTON'S DEATH

A SENSATIONAL TRIAL By TelesOTch—Press Association—Conyrieht London, June 0. . At the court-martial of Captain Bowen Colthurst, charged with the murder, in Ireland, of Skeffington, Dickson, and Al'lntyre, the prosecutor said that in view of the evidence he demanded a verdict of murder. Accused's battalion of Irish Rifles was stationed at Portobello barracks. Three inen were brought, in on the evening of the 25th. Next morning, Colthurst remarked: "I am taking three persons out of tho guardroom and am going to shoot them." The guardroom orderly reported the matter to the adjutant-general, who sent a message, to Colthurst. The men, however, were taken to a yard and placed against a 12-feet wall. Colthurst formed a firing party of seven soldiers, and ordered ithein to fire. Here Mrs. Skeffington, who was present in court, broke down. Accused hung his head and turned away. . The prosecutor continued that Colthurst later explained that he wished to prevent an escape or rescue.. Lieut. Dobbin, Irish Rifles, gave evidence that he heard firing, and went into the yard. Ho found three men on the ground, and noticed movement in Skeffington's body. He sent a message to accused, and this reply came back: "Shoot him again." There was a sensation in court, and women notably Mrs. Skeffington. The accused hid his face. Lieut. Dobbin added: "Accused seemed very excited," Major Roxburgh gave evidence that Colthurst said he had shot the prisoners, and that he expected to get into trouble, and possibly be hanged.