Domestic Tragedy At Hastings

Northern Advocate, 31 January 1939, Page 6

Domestic Tragedy At Hastings

[Per Press Association. Copyright .] HASTINGS, This Day.

A shocking tragedy occurred at a home in Evendon Road about 3 o’clock this morning, when Donald McLean, aged 52, attacked his eldest son with a broom handle, and was later found in the backyard, with his throat cut.

Apparently McLean his five children retired f at the usual time last evenings, Mrs McLean being absent in hospital, where she underwent an operation a few days ago. The children say that their father appeared worried, but otherwise everything seen|3d to be normal.

About 3 o’clock this morning, the children were awakened by screams from the eldest son, Kenneth, aged 14, whom they found being beaten by their father with a broom handle. The children rushed to neighbours, and Kenneth followed a minute or two later, having succeeded in escaping through his bedroom window. The police were immediately summoned, and, on 'arrival, found Me Lean lying in the grass in the backyard v about 30' feet from the house, with his throat cut. • Kenneth McLean, who was suffering from injuries to his head, received medical attention, and w'as taken to the Memorial Hospital. His condition is not regarded as serious.