CRIMINAL SITTINGS

Evening Star, Issue 21639, 7 February 1934, Page 10

CRIMINAL SITTINGS

PALMERSTON NORTH [Per United Press Association.! PALMERSTON N., February 7. A sentence of three years’ hard labour, concurrent with a term,at present being served, was passed by Mr Justice Blair on lan Archibald M'Donaid, who had pleaded guilty to assaulting Christian Sorensen, a storekeeper, of Himatangi, with intent to rob. The other man concerned had already been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, the Judge said, but the police were satisfied that the accused was not the person who used the violence. However, he was there, and, in law, responsible for what took place. ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGE [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, February 7: The trial is proceeding of Mary, Little, aged forty-nine, charged with attempting to murder her husband at Pofceno on October 14. The Crown Prosecutor said that the woman was addicted to drink, and was under the effects of drink about noon on October 14. The husband was angered by her condition, and said he would have her prohibited.' A boy in the house would say be saw her point a shotgun at her husband. He heard a report, and saw. the husband with half his hand blown off.. When the police arrived the accused told them the -shooting was accidental. . , • - . The first witness called was George Little, accused’s husband. Accused s counsel said there was a grave question whether a husband could give evidence against his wife. The liushand declined to give evidence, and it was for the judge to decide whether be could be compelled to do so. After hearing the Crown- Prosecutor Mr Justice Herdman told the jury ha had decided .that the husband was a competent witness, hut, in view of a decision of the Court of Appeal, and a similar decision of the Court of Criminal Appeal in England, his compellability was doubtful, and he could not be called unless he wished. His Honour added he would reserve the point for the Court of Appeal. The next witness was then called.