ARMSTRONG MURDER CASE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 11 April 1922, Page 5

ARMSTRONG MURDER CASE

—‘ PUBLIC INTEREST MAINTAINED

(By Telegraph—Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association)

LONDON, April 10. The Aim strong case is in its second week, and interest is maintained. The ea.se is not expected to finish before Friday. The Court was crowded to hear tire opinion of the defence. Mr Curtis Bennett submitted that though the defence has not the onus of proving it, the probability was that Airs Armstrong committed suicide. When she returned home from the asylum, finding she was becoming worse mentally and physically, she prepared to do something desperate. The prosecution had entirely failed to show a motive for murder.

Mr Justice Darling was of opinion that this opened an entirely new case. Armstrong gave evidence m a calm and clear mariner. His relations with his wife were always of the happiest. She first showed delusions in August, and shortly afterwards a doctor suggested the removal of razors and revolvers from her bedroom, which was done. There was. nob the slightest truth in the suggestion that he administered arsenic.

LONDON, April 10. Armstrong, continuing his evidence, said he never had anything to do with the preparation, or serving of his wile’s food. Deceased was a martyr to indigestion and rheumatism and always had stock' medicines for them. Armstrong detailed! the quantities and uses to wide ho put arsenic, and explained that the packet found upon him when arrested was due to biie fact that ho was wearing his gardening coat.