DOMESTIC HORROR

Northern Advocate, 6 August 1924, Page 5

DOMESTIC HORROR

FATHER KILLS BABY.

ATTEMPTED SJJICIDE FAI3SS.

ARREST OX MURDER CHARGED

: AUCKLAND, This Day. > A 16-month-old child, Desmond iKeogh, died as the result of his throat .being cut l>y his father, Harry Joseph Peters Iveogh, 42 years of age. The wife was out working,, a girl ■Six years of age was at school and Keogh was left at home in Ponsonbv With three younger girls and Desmond. When the girl returned home at 3..50 p.in. she found the baby in the cot covered with a rug. Iveogh was sitting in the kitchen, and when his wife entered it is stated that he said: "I've killed Desmond. I did it with that,'' pointing to a knife. The police were sent for and arrested Keogh on a charge of murder. Keogh £aid that lie intended to cut Lis own throat and thought it a pity to leave the only boy behind. He added piat he was cutting the baby's lunch . ' iwhen he felt a temptation to stab the • f child. He put the knife down and lwalked about for some time, but again felt that lie must take the child's life and his own. The baby was then in the kitchen. He cut its throat and carried the body into the bedroom. It is alleged that Keogh consulted a doctor and said he had a presentiment that he would not live long. He also said that he tried to cut his own throat, but only inflicted minor injury. It is stated that Iveogh was an inmate of a mental hospital for a iu May, but was discharged as nofc insane. -— Assn. IN ILL-HEALTH. EX-RESIDENT' OP WHANGAREI. (Special to "Northern Advocate.") AUCKLAND, This Day. j Iveogh, who features in the sad trag--1 edy at Ponsonbv, was at one time employed in the Defence Office at WhaBgarei. He had complained of illtealth for some time past. Keogh had been engaged as an advertising canvasser. BEFORE THE COURT. REMAND GRANTED. (Special to "Northern Advocate.".) AUCKLAND, This Day. Keogh appeared before Mr J. W. Poynton, S.M., at 11.15 a.m. He presented a very tragic appearance, but remained calm. His eyes had a wild gleam, but he seemed to be in possession of his senses. Detective Cummings asked for • a T iemand till August 15. ' ' Mr Mouatt, for the accused, agreed to the remand, but asked for a medical- examination without delay. The police said that this had already been done, but Mr Mouatt wanted additional evidence. Keogh is reported to have shown mentality while under examination this morning. He walked quietly away from the Court with a constable in attendance. The inquest was formally opened and adjourned. It will probably be taken with the preliminary hearing.