EMOTIONAL SCENE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20656, 30 August 1930, Page 14

EMOTIONAL SCENE.

SYDNEY CRIMINAL TRIAL. YOUNG BRIDE'S VAIN PLEA. Emotional scones were wiinessod in a Sydney Court lately in tho course of the trial of Ronald Morris, aged 53 years, a motor mechanic, who was charged with larceny as a bailee while in tho employ of a boot factory at Mnrrickville. By special permission tho accusod, who was confined in Long Bay gaol awaiting trial, was, a, few days before his trial, married to a young woman to whom he was engaged. Immediately after the marriage the bridegroom was taken back to gaol. Thoroughout (he trial the bride watched the proceedings from tho rear of the Court with tenso interest, while her husband, who was not represented by counsel, defended himself. A climax was reached when, after all the material witnesses had given their evidence, Mrs. -Morris entered the, witness-box and in a broken voice pleaded to the jury to give her husband a chance. "He is not guilty," she exclaimed dramatically.

The evidence against the accused, bowever, was convincing and after a few minutes' consultation the jury returned to (lie Court with a verdict of guilty. Accused's record was then read—a long list of convictions on minor and serious charges extending over the last five years. Judge Armstrong sentenced the accused to 18 months' imprisonment, adding, "I am sorry to say it, but 1 am sure to meet you again."

When sentence was pronounced Mrs. Morris was led away bv friends, sobbing bitterly.