Judge Speaks on Plea Of Insanity at Auckland

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 105, 5 May 1937, Page 4

Judge Speaks on Plea Of Insanity at Auckland

“DOES NOT CONCERN GRAND JURY. Per Pres 3 Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. “There is a possibility the defence .may raise the question of sanity, but that is not for you gentlemen to consider,” said Air J ustice Fair, addressing the Grand Jury, respecting the charge of murder against a young Alaori. Johnny Toka, arising out of the death of accused’s father, who was allegedly shot through the wall of a wkare at. Patumahoe on the night of February 21. Toka was also charged with attempting to murder his sister by striking her on the head with a kettle. Dealing with the subject of insanity, his Honour said the law presumed a person to be sane until ho was proved to be insane. Twelve months previouL*ly accused was confined in a mental hospital, but at the time of the alleged offences he was living with the family. However, that need not concern the Grand Jury. The legal definition oi insanity would be explained to the trial jury. SESSIONS OPEN AT TIMARU. l'er Press Association. TIMARU, Last Night. The quarterly session of tho Supreme Court opened this morning before Mr Justice Northcroft. In his charge to Grand Jury, his Honour reviewed the criminal list. Referring to the case against William Alexander Alorris, charged on six counts of theft and receiving stolen property, his Honour said the jury should have little difficulty in deciding that the case was one for the common jury. Referring to the charge of alleged breaking and entering against Clement Lyall Dewar, his Honour said the case arose as the result of the presence of two men in a motor garage. There was a strong inference that accused was present at the garage, although he denied this. FOUND GUILTY OF THEFT. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. John Paton Hardy, a dealer, aged 33, was found guilty in the Supreme Court to-day of the theft of a fur coat from a private hotel. He was remanded for sentence.