FARM WORKER’S DEATH

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 October 1930, Page 4

FARM WORKER’S DEATH

NIECE COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.

ARMIDALE (N.S.W.), Sept. 19

At the conclusion of evidence at tho inquest concerning the death of Otto Ernest Thomas Mowle, farm worker, to-day, the Coroner (Mr. W. L. Elliott) found that Mowle died in the Armidale and New England Hospital on July 28 from the effects of arsenic which was feloniously administered to him on or about July 16, at “The Laurels,” Ebor, by Dorothy Lena May McCoy, formerly Layton, and that McCoy had feloniously and maliciously murdered Mowle.

McCoy was committed for trial at the circuit court, Tamworth, on Oc tober 14.

Two nurses, Norma McCarthy and Clara McCarthy stated in evidence today that Mowle complained to them of being poisoned.

Edward James Doak, farmer, residing near Armidale, said that he occupied the bed next to Mowle in hospital, and heard him tell Mrs. Donoghue, his sister, that he had had some tea, and that it had a nasty taste. He also heard Mowle say: “The stuff she was giving me was trying to kill me quicker.”

Detective Geldart detailed an interview he had with Dorothy Lena May McCoy, at Hillgrove. He took a state ment from her, and then said that, it did not agree with statements he had taken from relatives at Ebor. He said to her: “We have been told that your uncle (Mowle) made a statement in hospital, in which he said that you, Dorrio Layton, poisoned him.” Mrs. McCoy remained silent for from three to five minutes, said witness, and then Detective-Sergeant Allmond, who was present, read her extracts from a statement. Dlrs. McCoy admitted that she had attended Mowle from tho time ho took ill until his removal to hospital. She declined to believe that Mowle had said that she had <pcisoned him. Witness said that in reply to further questions, Mrs. McCoy said that she now knew that if Mowle had died a natural death she would have benefltted by £l5OO under an insurance policy. Witness said that he had since been told by insurance companies that the policy was valueless. Alice Elizabeth Sarah Donoghue, sister of Mowle, said that, when she visited her brother in hospital, he said: “I (have got poisoned.” She said: "By the love of God, Mick (meaning deceased) how?” Tie said: "In a drink of tea.” She said: "Who gave it to you?” and he replied: "Dorlie Layton.” She said: “What for?” and he replied: “1 know.” Witness said that Mowle’s eyes filled wfith tears, and he could not speak any mere. She told the doctor, but he said that he could not find poison.

Witness was cross-examined by Mr |C. L. Mackenzie, who watched the ,pioeeedirigs for Mrs. McCoy. Witness emphatically denied that she had given arsenic to deceased. Mrs. McCoy did not give evidence. Application for bail was refused.