NEARING THE END

Evening Post, Volume XCIX, Issue 126, 28 May 1920, Page 8

NEARING THE END

TRIAL OF DENNIS GUNN

ACCUSED GIVES EVIDENCE.

(BI TELEORAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

AUCKLAND, 27th May. The trial of Dennis Gunn, charged with murder and robbery at Ponsonby, was continued to-day. In opening the case for the defence, Mr. Prendergast said that accused desired to go into the box and tell his own story. Much of the evidence for the prosecution was highly technical. The remark made by Gunn when accosted by the detectives, that he was home all Saturday afternoon, and his subsequent correction, counsel suggested, was only natural, and in keeping with his innocence. Dennis Gunn then entered the box. On Saturday, 13th March, he said, he left home with his brother Charles about 2 o'clock; They went to an hotel and then to the circus, but did not go in on account of the crowd. They watched a boat race in the harbour, and then went to another hotel. He returned home about 5 o'clock, and left again about 7.15 with his brother Thomas. Accused became parted from his brother in the crowd, and went to a picture show, leaving when the performance was over at about 10 o'clock. He met his brother after the show, and they walked home together. He did not go' out again that night. Mr. Prendergast: "Had you had anything to do with the murder of Braithwaite or the robbery at the Post Office? Accused: " No, I had not." * In cross-examination, accused said he had never been in the Ponsonby Post Office and did not hjmdle the cash-boxes or revolver on the night of the murder. Hn .had never had a revolver, and. the finger-print on the revolver was not his. : Counsel for the prosecution: " Well, have you any objection to giving a print of the palm of your hand or any print we may choose?" Mr. Reed, for the accused, objected, and after discussion said that if accused refused it would tell against him, and if he agreed he was putting himself in the hands of experts who were practically Qblged ,to give an opinion one way. ,Hs Honour: " All I can say is I would be sorry to think that responsible police officers, either here or in New South Wales, would be obliged to give evidence in any one way." On the advice of his counsel, accused declined to submit his finger-print. Further witnesses were called, including one man who said he saw Gunn outside a picture theatre just before 8 o'clock. ' '

The evidence for the defence was not concluded when the Court rose.