CHARGE OF MURDER

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 March 1934, Page 2

CHARGE OF MURDER

MAN’S EARS CUT OFF. BRISBANE, March 7.. A further development in what is believed to be a vendetta among the Italians at Innisfail occurred to-day, when four Italians were arrested on a charge of having caused grievous bodily harm to Giovanni lacona on February 11. lacona, who was arrested yesterday on a charge of having murdered Nicola Mamone, was the victim of an assault at Cowley, where both his ears were cut off’ with a razor. On that occasion he stated that his two assailants were strangers to him. Special precautions were taken when Goivanni lacona, 32, was brought before the Innisfail Court this morning on a charge of murder. A rumour had been current that an attempt would be made to take his life as he sat in court. Accused was remanded for a week. After Detective Ridgway had given evidence relating to the charge of causing bodily harm, he was crossexamined by one defendant, Salvatore Agostino Patane, through an interpreter. Patane said: Did you hear me say I was on the farm but was called over to the happening? Detective Ridgway: You told me yourself you were there when the man’s ears were cut off. Did I not tell you that between January 15 and 1G I received a letter demanding £2OO? —You told me Denaro (one of the other accused) showed you a letter. Did I not tell you the letter said money had to be returned with the letter and placed somewhere on the road? —Yes. Accused were remanded for a week.