THE MERRETT TRIAL

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 29, 4 February 1927, Page 9

THE MERRETT TRIAL

DID SON SHOOT MOTHER?

STATEMENT OF DECEASED

(United Press Association.—Copyright) LONDON, 2nd February. At the trial at Edinburgh of John Donald Merrett, who is charged with murdering his mother in an Edinburgh flat in March last by shooting her with a revolver, Dr. Holcombe. gave evidence that the deceased, after admission to the infirmary, said: "I was sitting writing letters. John was standing beside me, and I said, 'Go away. Don't annoy mo.' Next I heard an explosion and do not remember any more." Dr. Holcombo admitted that he did not write the statement clown.

Mr. Aitcheson' (defending counsel): Are We at the mercy of, your recollections ten months after th« ov-nt?" Dr. Holcombe: "Yes.'.' ■ ■ Dr. Holcombe gave evidence that Mrs. Merrett was shot behind the. ear. There was no sign of blackening or singeing. o

Mrs. Perm, deceased's sister, said that Mrs. Merrett was married in New Zealand in 1907. Her husband was an electrical ongineer. They separated before the war, ancl mother and son returned to England in 1925. The son attended Malvern College for a year. The mother's yearly income was £700. Witness said Mr. Merrett was now living in India. Witness added, VMy sister said to me, 'They say I had a fall, but I doubt it. It was a sudden explosion, a« if John shot me. 5 "

The hearing was 'adjourned.