INSANITY AND CRIME

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2069, 21 December 1907, Page 3

INSANITY AND CRIME

AN INVOLVED POSITION. Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, Deo. 20. Hans TV-ilson, who on November 13th murdered his wife at Addington and then attempted to commit suicide, was brought- before Mr. H. TV. Bishop, S.M., this afternoon on a charge of wilful murder. Since tlio crime had been committed Wilson had been in the hospital recovering from his self-inflicted wounds, and when he appeared in Court he was apparently a physical wreck and had t-o sit down. Wilson was, some time before the murder, released from Sunnyside, where he had been committed as a lunatic on account of his having previously attempted to kill his wife, and a great deal of interest has been taken in the question whether his previous committal as a lunatic affected his position when charged with the second crime. Mr. T. W. Stringer, K.C., appeared for the Crown. The Magistrate said that the circumstances were peculiar, Dscauso the accused. had been committed as a lunatio prisoner and was subsequently allowed out for a year’s probation on the recommendation of the medical superintendent. Such a proceeding was quite irregular, not being provided for by (legislation. The man was not only de jure but de facto a -lunatic still. Mr Stringer said that the Criminal Code provided for - such a caso, because a man who committed a crime was to be presumed sane till be was proved a lunatic. Mr. Bishop said that as the man whs prima facie a lunatic the depositions should contain a history of the case. Mr. Stringer said that no matter how insane the man was or whether lie was committed to tho asylum before or after t-he crime, lie was still liable to be tried for themurder. Hia Worship: Of course in this ease it is a meio farce.” Mr. Stringer: “Yes: but m other circumstances it might be quite othor than a- farce,” Evidonce was then given simitar to that tendered at the inquest, and the accused was committed for trial, no application being made for hail.