THE "SILVER GRID" MURDER.

Grey River Argus, 15 December 1920, Page 3

THE "SILVER GRID" MURDER.

ROBERTS TO BE RELEASED

AFTER ELEVEN YEARS' GAOL

PRISONS BOARD DECISION. it

CHRISTCHURCH, December 14. In Christchurch, on November 17th, 1909, Arthur J. W. Roberts was found guilty of the murder of a waitress in the "Silver Grid" restaurant 'in Manchester Street. Roberts was sentenced to death, but the sentence was sifterwards commuted to imprisonment for life. The Prisons Board has now decided to recommend Roberts for release on probation in 12 months' time, provided his conduct and industry give satisfaction in the meantime, and his mental condition remains as at present. At Roberts 's trial it was disclosed that he was in love with the girl he murdered, but that he was not the. only suitor. Roberts apparently became jealous, and after gaining admittance to the girl's room committed tho crime. He then bolted, but was arrested a day or two afterwards. • The defence put forward by Mr. W. J. Hunter nt the trial, was that of insanity. While the jury was riot convinced that insanity had been established, it had doubts as to Roberts 's mental condition at the time bf the nnyder. It was Mr. Hunter who made representations to the Prisons Board for the prisoner's release, claiming that the prison life had wrought a wonderful improvement in his physical and mental condition. If he were released lie would go to Scotland anti start afresh there. Roberts is now about 32 years old.