UNUSUAL CHARGE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 194, 17 July 1937, Page 11

UNUSUAL CHARGE.

OFFENCE ADMITTED. THREAT TO FATHER-IN-LAW. Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, July 16. Unusual circumstances of a charge against a man of presenting a loauod ritle at liis father-in-law were related by Senior-Sergeant Packer in the Magistrate’s Court to-day. It was suggested that a loan of £3OO he could not repay preyed so much on his mind that he came from the south to the house of his father-in-law and threatened to shoot him. He admitted the offence and was remanded for a week by Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., for medical observation.

The Magistrate said that in his present frame of mind he was a source of potential danger and he would recommend to the Minister of Justice that he be placed in an institution for three months for medical treatment.

Accused pleaded guilty. “This man deserves the sympathy of the Court in this offence.” said the senior-sergeant. Defendant was the son-in-law of complainant, who had at one time lent him £320 to purchase a house in Mornington, and because accused had not paid any interest a solicitor’s letter was sent to him. Accused saw complainant and told him he could have the house and its contents. He was working at the time at the Hillside workshops and gave up his employment and left for the country. On June 1” complainant was attempting to start his motor-car preparatory to going visiting. It was dark and a man appeared on the scene and offered to fix the engine. This man was accused and as complainant walked towards him he said: “Stand still or I will shoot you.” Complainant tried to reason with him and every time he approached accused threatened to shoot him and complainant’s housekeeper. He emphasised his intention by firing a shot, and gravel from the oath struck the housekeeper on the leg. Subsequently he agreed to go into the house and he walked behind them with the rifle. Once in the house he sat on a bench and threatened to shoot if thev came near. After 15 minutes he walked out of the house. Next dav complainant, who had really done all .„ could to assist accused, went hv car to see accused, but all he would say was “You have ruined my life.” The Magistrate remanded accused for a week and said that he would recommend that he lie planed in a mental hospital for three months for medical treatment. r