Second “Shark Arm” Murder Trial

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 276, 22 November 1935, Page 7

Second “Shark Arm” Murder Trial

ACCUSED SPEAKS FROM DOCK Received Thursday, 7.15 p.m. SYDNEY, NOv. 21. Judge Hulse Rogers announced today that further consideration had not altered his opinion that the care should go to the jury and the defence for Strong and Stannard, who are charged with murdering Holmes in connection with the “shark arm’’ mystery, opened with a statement from the dock by Stannard. Stannard said Holmes was liis best friend and lie was Holmes’s best friend. He would be the last man iu the world to have anything to do with killing anyone, let alone his best friend. Ho knew Holmes was afraid of someone. llaigli Barraolough, who was 'licensee of the hotel at which Summers resided, said on the day following the shooting Summers said to him: “It would appear I was a witness of a crime last night. 1 saw a car with headlights on and a man running away. I havo a fair idea of his height and build, but did not see his face.” Witness said Summers later remarked: “If I can identify this man I should get the reward. If I do get it it will assist me to get back to England.”

Mrs Enid Stannard said she and her husband attended a theatre on tho night, of the shooting. They were at the theatre from 7 to 10.30 p.m., and at no time did her husband leave her side.

Leslie Holmes said as far as he knew Stannard and his brother Reginald Holmes were good friends right up to the time of the latter’s death. Prior to his death his brother was nervous. “Ho told me on the Sunday night before the murder that ho w r as frightened of Brady and his crowd,” said witness.

Strong from the dock declared he had taken no part in the killing of Holmes.

Two witnesses said that they had seen Strong drunk in bed on the night of the murder and had hoard him snoring.

Joseph Strong, accused’s uncle, said it would have been impossible for accused to have gouo out that evening without witness knowing. “Ho would not havo been able to get downstairs. He would have fallen down,” -witness added. The hearing was adjourned.