MURDER THREAT

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 196, 16 May 1936, Page 24

MURDER THREAT

Dramatic Scene in Court

After Clement Dalby, IS, of Crossways Road, Grayshott, near _ Alton, Hants., had admitted at Whitehill that he had threatened to murder his mother, and had been sentenced to two months’ imprisonment, he created a dramatic scene in the dock. Clutching his throat with both hands, he exclaimed: “I’ll commit suicide first,” and turning to the magistrates, he shouted, "You arc a pack of frauds, that’s what you are, and I am satisfied that I have told you.” A constable, who stood beside him. took hold of his arm and tried to pacify him, but Dalby turned on him, and shouted, “Don’t you touch me.” at the same time kicking the officer on the shin. There was a brief scuffle, and another constable went to the other’s assistance.

Pinioning Dalby’s arms to his side they half carried and dragged him out of the dock, and as they went Dalbj cried out, “Oh, mother, mother, why don’t you try to get me out of this?” Overcome and crying, Mrs. Dalby left the court with the help of an official. Dalby had been arrested a few days previously on a warrant for using threats towards his mother, who asked

that he should ilud sureties for his future behaviour.

Giving evidence, Mrs. Dalby described an incident when her son threatened to murder her. This was the third time he bad made a similar threat, and she then really thought it was the end. as she was in such a depressed mood as not to care. Iler son had been treating her badly since last April, and she was mortally afraid b 0 would do her injury. In reply to this Dalby stated. “I love my mother, and I am not ashamed to say so. but I believe somebody has put her up to this. I admit I threatened to murder her, but I was all excitement at the time.” Asked by the chairman, Mr. W. Broadwood, if he would consent to entering Alton Infirmary for attention. Dalby retorted. “No, I will take 21 days first.”

Eventually he intimated that he would agree to be bound over to be of good behaviour towards his mother. The magistrates, after retiring, told him he would also have to find twosureties of £5 each, or go to prison for two months.

Dalby, whose excitement grew until it culminated in the scene described, replied that he could not find the sureties and would go to prison.