Man Reveals Why He Sent Poisoned Tarts

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 38, 15 February 1937, Page 10

Man Reveals Why He Sent Poisoned Tarts

WANTED POlilOE TO FIND WOMAN HE -LOVED

In love with another man’s wife, Cyril Geoffrey Harris (33), of Stafford, England, devised an extraordinary scheme so that the x>olice would find her and bring them together. He posted to her husband poisoned jam tarts. At Nottingham City Assizes he was acquitted on a charge of sending poisoned jam tarts to Daniel Hickling with intent to murder him. Mr Van Oss (prosecuting) said that Harris told Bath police he had conspired with Elsie Hickling to murder Hickling, that she prepared some jam tarts, placed rat poison in them, wrapped them in a parcel and asICVd him to post them. “No charge is being made against Mrs Hickling,' 7 said counsel. Detective-Inspector Ellington said Harris called at different police stations and made statements. Consequently Hickling was told that some poisoned tarts were coming. Lu substance Harris said he was m love with Mrs Hickling and he concoct e<l the scheme so that the police would find her and bring them together. The Judge said: “Can any jury honestly find beyond all reasonable doubt that this man intended to poison Hickling? “He unanges that Hickling will not receive tlic tarts until next morning, then goes to two police stations and says *1 have to make quite certain that Hickling will be warned. 7 77 The Judge asked the jury to return a verdict of “not guilty. 7 ’