COMMITTED FOR TRIAL

Grey River Argus, 26 November 1942, Page 3

COMMITTED FOR TRIAL

On Murder Charge EX-INMATE OF MENTAL HOSPITAL. P.A. NAPIER, November 25. At the Police Court, David John Campbell, timber worker, 21 years, was charged that on October 21 ne did murder Mavis Esther Campbell and Maude Campbell. Mr Miller, S.M., was on’ the Bench. Senior Sergeant Felton appeared for the police and Mr M. R. Grant for accused. Dr. H. Berry stated that both victims had suffered head injuries. He had previous experience of accused and thought he should be certified as insane. Dr. J. J. Foley, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, said that accused had been under his care. Witness thought he was more fitted for a place of detention than a public hospital. LATER. At the trial of David John Campbell, the father of the accused, Alexander Colin Le G. Campbell, a member of the Military Forces, stated that about two years ago the accused showed signs of mental trouble, and he had been in an institution for about nine months, having been released at the special request of witness’s mother. When the accused returned from Porirua, said witness, his mental condition was not good, and, because of this condition, it was necessary for witness and his wife to help him to wash and dress. The accused had refused food, saying he was being poisoned.

After further medical and police evidence, the accused was committed for trial. <