PICTON TRIAL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 305, 23 November 1932, Page 2

PICTON TRIAL

EVIDENCE IN CAPITAL CHARGE , Per Press Association. BLENHEIM, Nov. 23. The trial of Edward Tarrant for the alleged murder of James Flood was resumed this morning. James Flood, a nephew of deceased, gave evidence regarding deceased’s investments and mode of living. The beneficiaries under deceased’s will were witness, his two brothers, two sisters and three cousins. Under cross-examination witness denied having borrowed money in anticipation of the legacy under his uncle’s will. Witness was questioned closely concerning his whereabouts at the time of the murder. He denied that ho did not get on with his uncle. On the night of the alleged murder witness was on the foreshore till about eight o'clock, when he returned home with a friend. Two other nephews deposed as to the reluctance of deceased to lend money. Dr. E. W. Smyth recounted in minute detail the results of an examination of the body of deceased, including the injuries and two neck wounds which, he said, could only have been caused by a heavy sharp instrument used with considerable force. Ho concluded that deceased was’ struck a violent blow on the back of the head from behind by. a lefthanded man. An axe (produced) could have caused the injuries. Cross-examined, witness said that if deceased turned as the blow was struck in a right handed manner possible the injuries could hav<s been received.

Dr. Philip Lynch, a pathologist, explained that one of his specialties was deducting the cause and the means of death by post mortem examination. He detailed at length the results of his conclusions by a post mortem on deceased’s body. The back of an axe would produce the wounds in the head, and the neck wounds would result from a blow from an axe.

(Proceeding.)