SENTENCE OF DEATH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20842, 8 April 1931, Page 7

SENTENCE OF DEATH.

YOUTH SHOOTS A MAN. SELF-DEFENCE PLEA FAILS. * RECOMMENDATION TO MERCY. Sentence of death was passed upori a youth named Cecil Reginald Bell, aged 20, a dealer, in Sydney on March 24. He had been convicted of the murder oi John Edward Thornton at Waterloo on December 26, 1930. The Crown Prosecutor, Mr. McKean, K.C., said that on Boxing Day last yearaccused and another man left a hotel just. before closing time.-- Accused struck fhe man a violent blow' and a fight ensued. Apparently three or four persons became involved in a general melee. The Crown declared that at no time was deceased in--volved in any fight with accused. Later, accused went to the hotel corner and fired a shot at Thornton, who died half" an hour later. The Crown submitted 1 that there was no reason why accused should have gone back' to the hotel "ahd the jury was invited to reject the plea' of self -defence.

Bell stated in evidence that he had 4 fight on the afternoon of Boxing Day with a, man, the result of an old-quarrel. Later a man challenged him to fight. A crowd gathered around 'arid he (accused); was punched and kicked unmercifully. After leaving a bakehouse in''which lie had hidden he was fearful of'an attack,"' so he loaded a revolver, which lie had fiurchased earlier in' (he day from'a "marl-in a hotel.

A man stepped out'iri front of, him at.', a corner. Accused pushed that man asideand drew his revolver to frighten the' crowd. Just then John Edward Thorn-" ton rushed at him." After firing between" Thornton's legs accused ran away. Three, men chased him "and to keep them back, he fired over their heads. He did not' know that he had wounded Thornton. After a retirement of .an hour .and.: a-quarter the jury returned a verdict of guilty, witn a recommendation to mercy on account of Bell's youth and.previous], good character." . His Honor (to the jury): The..verdict, was the only one open to you on the evidence. The plea of self-defence was absolutely unsatisfactory in'my "view. Your recommendation will be forwarded - :to "the Executive, by whom I have no'- donbt it' will be given consideration., My. duty'is to pass the sentence provided by law. " His Honor then sentenced' "Bell todeath. :: ; v;