WIDOW ON POISON CHARGE

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 May 1933, Page 9

WIDOW ON POISON CHARGE

WITNESS’S ALLEGATION.

LONDON, March 29

Reference to a £5OO cheque, which was described by counsel as “the price of the silence of a -woman witness.” was made during the trial at the Central Criminal Court, Dublin, yesterday, of Mrs. Kate Shanley, of Bally Boggan, Co. Meath, who is charged with the murder of her husband by poisoning. .

James Shanley, who was about 71, was a farmer. He died in May last. Five months later his body was exhumed, and, it is stated, traces of strychnine were found.

Mrs. Shanley, who is about 47, pleaded not guilty.

Prosecuting counsel said that previous to the death of Shanley the domestic relations had not been happy. Mrs. Shanley had been drinking and went into debt for drink. Mrs. Kathleen Hackett said that while Mrs. Shanley was living with her she said, during a reference to her late husband, “I would not mind if he died a natural death.” ‘‘l said ‘Wasn’t it a natural death?’ ” continued Mrs. Hackett, “and she told mo that she poisoned him. I said, ‘Wasn’t that an awful thing to do?’ and asked her how she did it. She said she gave it to him in the mulled stout. She also said ‘Maybe it wasn’t the cause of death after all.’ ”

Cross-examining regarding the cheque for £5OO lodged by Mrs. Shanley to the credit of Denis Hackett, counsel asked Mrs. Hackett, “This was a gift to your husband?” “She gave it to me for him,” said Mrs. Hackett, “for me not to say anything about the poisoning.” Did she say so? —Yes. Counsel: You got £5OO to keep your mouth shut, the price of your silence. Is that the case?- —Yes. Witness admitted that Mrs. Shanley went to a solicitor, who said that Mrs. Shanley was going to recover the £5OO, and asked for some explanation as to how Mr. Hackett claimed it. Counsel read from a letter sent by Mrs. Hackett to Mrs. Shanley, which said:—

“For the sake of Almighty God and the Blessed Virgin and poor Jim (R.1.P.) don’t be so hard on me. My heart is broken. When poor Jim was alive I did my best for you. I am heartily sorry if I did anything wrong on you, and I hope you will forgive me. This world is too short to be fighting. If there is disputes I hope we’ll settle them after. Will you answer this in some way, and God bless you.” Dr. John McGrath, State pathologist, said he came to the conclusion that death was due to heart failure, which might have been accelerated by poisoning. The accused was acquitted.