ATTEMPTED ARSON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20562, 13 May 1930, Page 12

ATTEMPTED ARSON.

OFFENCE BY YOUNG MAN

COMMENT OF THE JUDGE.

REFORMATIVE DETENTION.

Tho view that the offence had notbeen committed as the result of mental aberration, but that it had been deliberate, was taken by Mr. Justice Smith when in tho Supreme Court yesterday he sentenced Edward Harold Alexander. aged 27. confectioner, to reformative detention for a period not exceeding twelve mouths on a charge of attempted arson at Auckland

Mr. Sullivan, appearing for prisoner, said it had boon admitted that Alexander left a lighted candle at his homo with kerosene sprinkled near it. Ihe discovery had been made by neighbours and no damage had resulted. He had been a' sick man at the time and was worried that he was behind with his payments on the home, insurance, rates and drainage. He had been attended by a doctor, who had given a statement that tho offence had been committed during a tit of mental aberration. Prisoner bad a wife and two children, and in view of tho state of his health and tho fact that tie could go back to "work with the people by whom he had been employed _ for many years counsel asked that, leniency should be given. "It appears from the depositions that he attempted to set fire to the house, and that the insurance would have about, covered the mortgage on the house and possibly some of his other liabilities, said His Honor. Mr. Sullivan: He did not realise what he was doing. His Honor said lie was not prepared to accept the statement that the offence had been due to mental aberration. "I am of tho opinion that prisoner acted with deliberation." he said. " r lhe doctor did not see him until four days after the attempt, so it seems that tho medical evidence is of no value whatsover. The offenco is a serious one. He endangered the houses and lives of his neighbours, and he committed the offence with the idea of clearing himself of financial liability."