SHOOTING CASE

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 105, 6 May 1933, Page 14

SHOOTING CASE

MRS. LONG GUILTY

MERCY RECOMMENDED

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) CHBISTCHUBCH, May 5. "It has been said that this case is of the .-greatest importance to the parties ' concerned. I agree; but it is of much more importance to the general public of New Zealand, for from your verdict today' it will g» forth from Christchurch whether a person can shoot another who refuses to leave his or her house when requested." This statement was made by his Honour Mr. Justice MacGregor when Bumming up to the jury in the Supreme Court today at the conclusion of the trial of Myrtle Long on a charge of discharging a revolver at Arthur Henry- Way on March 25, with' intent to do grievous bodily harm. The case iwas heard first yesterday, but the jury disagreed and a new trial was ordered. This took place today. After a retirement of 75 minutes the jury returned a verdict of guilty, with a strong recommendation to mercy on account of extreme provocation and mental distress. The jury also suggested that Mrs. Long should be in some way protected from further molestation, by the witness Way. Outlining the case for tho Crown, tho Crown Prosecutor, said it was quite simple. The accused had fired five shots at Way intending to hit himj and thero could bo no answer to the Crown's case. It was important, however, that persons should not have the protection of the jury's verdict when they used revolvers in such circumstances. . His Honour, referring to Way mi his summing-up, said: "Way is a. worthless creature who sponged on the woman for years and made her life a misery, but that does not excuse the shooting. It might in some of the Western States of America, but not here. What conclusion would you have come to had tho woman shot the man in the heart instead of tho arm? You might accompany your verdict with a recommendation to mercy aud_ I will act upon it," ho continued. "No doubt you share with me a feeling of disgust at the conduct of the man Way, but that cannot be allowed to stand in the way of justice." The prisoner was remanded for sentence until Monday. Bail was reiicwcd as formerly.