A GRIM DRAMA.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 10871, 15 April 1929, Page 7

A GRIM DRAMA.

EX-FULICEAIAN CHARGED WITH FOURFOLD CRIME.

CHILDREN’S GAME ON DAY OF

TRAGEDY

Looking a, pathetic, dazed figure as he stood in the dock at Romford, England, last month, Sidney Percy Gray, 33, a former Aletropolitan policeman, of Collier Row, Romford, was committed for trial on the charge of murdering Owen Thomas Gray, 6, and Alaureen Cynthia Gray, 4J, his children, and Peggy Daphne Rene McDaniel, St, and Peter Grenville Ale Daniel, 2j, his niece and nephew. The little ones were found with their throats, cut in a lonely hut standing in an allotment field on the outskirts of Romford. Their arms were folded across their breasts, and they were laid out as if for burial. Gray was arrested 24 hours later.

Mr. R. G. Saywol], for the Public Prosecutor, described how Gray joined the Aletropolitan- Police in 1320, and m 1024 met with a serious accident while on duty, and injured his head.- On the day of the tragedy Gray spent the morning playing with the’children, and in the afternoon took them for a walk. It was suggested that' in all probability tlu? children were done to death outside the hut and afterwards carried inside. A hammer and a broken razor blade wore found near the spot. When Gray was arrested two bloodstained razors were found in Ins pocket. He bad carried about with him a brown paper pam»J containing a mirror about a foot square. The only reply be made when charged was to mention the name “Owen” and to shake hi- bead. J lie question of Gray's mental condition was hardly one for that court.

Air. G. C. AlcDaniel. the father or two of the children, stated that before the tragedy Gray had often wanted to take witness’s children out, but be bad never been allowed to <].o fco b<-ion\

\\ ben Gray was asked twice by the chairman if he wished to put any questions to Mr. AleDaiiiel. lie- rose shakily to his feet, kept his eyes cast downward,-, and appeared not to hear or comprehend the question. Airs. May Willard, a neighbor, described bow Gray set out with tin* four children on the afternoon of January 24. The children were holding hands. David Sidney Hilliard, a young newspaper seller, declared that on the night: of the tragedy he saw h man walking up and down outside Romford station. The man leantagainst a wall and wrote something down. Later, he came to witness, gave him sixpence, and said. “Take this letter to the police station.” After each witness had given evidence. Gray was asked several times if lie wished to put any questions.

Detective-Inspector Crockford, of Romford, stated: “When 1 said f f am a police officer.’ Gray said ‘So am I,’ and when 1 mentioned the name ‘Owen’ he said ‘Owen,’ and shook his head. Otherwise he did not. appear to realise what was said.” Dr. R. A. AYoodhouse related that the throat of each child had been cut completely across, and Owen Thomas: Gray had head wounds, and two fractures of the skull which might have 'been caused by an instrument like the hammer produced. “Do you think he understands what is being asked?” remarked the chairman to one of the officers who sat with Gray.

“I don’t think so.” replied the officer, who repeated the question to Gray m a loud voice.

Gray mumbled something inaudibly and seemed to shake Ids head slightly. He looked completely dazed. At the end of the case’for the prosecution Gray was formally asked if lie wished to give evidence or call amwitnesses, but lie made no reply., and was send f o r trial at the Old Bailey.