A STRANGE CASE

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 38, 15 February 1919, Page 6

A STRANGE CASE

ALLEGED THREAT TO KILL

CHOCOLATES SOAKED IN NITRIC

ACID,

A case surrounded by many peculiar circumstances was mentioned before Mr. F V. Frazer, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court to-day, when Richard William Martin, a well-known resident of Wellington, was charged with sending a letter threatening to kill one Alexander Collins.

Mr. F. V. Willis, who appeared for Mr. J J. M'Grath, who had been retained for the defence, said he understood that the police would agree to a remand.. In that case, he would apply for bail. Martin had been a resident of Wellington for 25 years, and during the past nine years ha.1 3 held a responsible position witjh the firm of Robert Martin, Ltd. Counsel asked his Worship to make tfce bail as low as possible. There were reasons for that application, quite apart from the allegations made against accused. "I am given to understand," Said Mr. Willis, "that Martin'and Collins are pn the very best of terms, and they esteem each other mutually. There is no possible chance of any danger to, Collins if Martin is allowed liberty. I think it will be seen that there has been some mistake."

Detective-Sergeant Cox stated : "This is a very serious charge, and it- is a question whether any bail at all should be allowed. In any case; I ask that the bail should be made substantial." Collins had received a series of threatening letters, which had suggested that spine day his body would be found on the Brooklyn Heights. The last letter .received was in the form of a final note. Collins was warned to "expect something on the 13th." On. the 13th inst. Collins received through the post a box of chocolates, and the contents were found to be saturated with nitric acid. A bottle containing nitric acid had been found in accused's office.

Mr. Willis told the Court that the letters were unsigned, and were not in th^ handwriting of the accused. His AVorship * "Is there_any doubt as to accused's mental condition?"

Detective^Sergeant Cox,: "I cannot say." Accused agreed to keep away from Collins, and on that condition bail was fixed at £100, and the case adjourned until next Friday. '