NOT A CASE FOR BAIL

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 94, 15 January 1926, Page 10

NOT A CASE FOR BAIL

* - GRAVE CHARGES AGAINST WOMAN. By Telegraph—Press Association.

Auckland, January 14. "Thera might be a death if I allowed this woman bail, and then I would feel myself responsible,” said Mr J. W. Poynton, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court to-day, in refusing Mr. finger’s application to grant bail to Mrs. Martha Jano O’Shaughnessy (aged 59). O’Shaughnessy was committed to tho Supreme Court for trial on four charges of unlawfully using an instrument. It was pointed out by Mr. Singer that the Supreme Court criminal sessions would not start till February. 'That meant that O'Shaughnessy would have to remain in gaol for over a fortnight. Little harm could be done if sho were’ admitted to bail. Mr. Singer suggested, in view of the state of her health, that the Magistrate might grant the request. Mr. Poynton said that he felt very reluctant about it. If the woman were ill she could be transferred from Mt. Eden Gaol to the Auckland Hospital. "She has already been committed to the Supreme Court for trial on two charges, and while she is out on bail she is brought hero on four other charges,” said tho Magistrate. “No, I can t allow her her liberty.” Mr. Singer put Dr. Horton in the witness-box to describe the condition of O'Shaughnessy’s leg. It was in such a condition that it should bo dressed properly and frequently. It required either skin grafting or amputation. She should bo in hospital. Chief Detective Cummings: You will agree with me, doctor, that in view of tho condition of this woman’s leg, it is very dangerous for her to perform these operations? And you’ll admit that drinking won’t help her condition? Dr. Horton: It is a very bad leg indeed. It was quite a mistake to imagine that because a person was ill he or she could not, and ought not, to be sent to gaol, said Mr. Poynton. It should bo remembered that there was a hospital in the gaol, with a medical man in regular attendance, and drugs of every kind were available. If necessary serious cases could be, and were, transferred from tho gaol to the general hospital. Mr. Singer asked that the Magistrate recommend O'Shaughnessy’s transfer to the Auckland Hospital, on Dr. Horton’s evidence. ~ , , ~ Tho Magistrate said that ho could not do that, but if the gaol surgeon agreed that she should be removed, His Worship would make tho necessary recommendation.