DEATH SENTENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21160, 18 April 1932, Page 9

DEATH SENTENCE.

MURDER IN SYDNEY. ROBBER'S CALLOUS CRIME. William Morton, aged 26. a labourer, was on March 31 in Sydney found guilty of the murder of Alexander Frederick Barrie at Paddington on December 14 last', and -was sentenced to death. Mr. McKean, K.C., Crown Prosecutor, said that the accused was charged with the murder of an inoffensive man aged 85 years. The old man was struck on the head, tied up, and gagged. Th o crime was particularly brutal, and was committed with extreme callousness. The old man was comparatively well off and lived with his wife, who was 80 years of ago.

A doctor stated that in his opinion the cause of Barrio's death was suffocation duo to the use of a gag. Charles Wilson said that he was also known as Leslie Skecn. On the morning of December 14 he telephoned Morton and asked him to come to his place and bring a gun and some cord. They then went to the house of the deceased and told Mrs. Barrie that they were there to look at the gas. Morton put his arms around Mrs. Barrio's head and told witness to hit her on the head. Witness did so, and then tied her up. Later, as Mr. Barrie was walking along a passage, Morton hit. him on the head with a revolver. Witness then went upstairs and searched for money. He found seven £1 notes nnd two sovereigns.

When witness came downstairs lie found that Barrie was dead. Morion had some blood on him, and he washed that off. They left, tho house by the back door. When they got outside they divided the money, and Morton gavo witness tho revolver, which ho threw down a street drain. They then separated. Statement by the Accused. In cross-examination, Wilson denied that ho had suggested to Morion that they should "turn on tho gas and finish the business." Witness said that Morton had suggested to him that they should set the place alight. Detective-Sergeant Barrett said that on March 8, when asked his name, accused replied, "William Smith," but a second or two later, admitted that he was William Morton. When taken before Superintendent Mackay, accused said that lie had wanted to get tho crime off his mind, and had often thought of giving himself up. Morton then made a statement.

Accused stated in evidence that Wilson told him ho know a place whero they could get £3OO from an old couple. On the morning of December 14 Wilson telephoned accused and told him .to bring his suitcase and some cord. They met and went to Barric's house. When they got. inside, accused put his arms aioutid Mrs. Barrie, and Wilson hit her on the bead with a pieco of hose. Witness told Wilson not to hit tho old woman as ho might kill her, and Wilson said, "Mind your own business, hero comes the old man." Accused hit Barrio nu tho hoad, and when Barrio screamed ho hit him again, and both fell to tho floor together. Wilson then gagged Barrie. When he went to the house with Wilson ho did not intend to do anything other than commit a robbery. Verdict of the Jury.

Defending counsel submitted that the verdict should be one of manslaughter. There was 110 doubt that the two men went out on December 14 with the definite object of robbing tho Barries. There was conclusive evidence that the moving mind was that of Wilson. The men did not go to Barrio's place with any intent to kill.

After a retirement, of two hours the jury returned a verdict of guilty of murder.

In sentencing Morton to death Mr. Justice .James said"l have not much to say to you personally. On the evidence it appears clear that you did this act with callous indifference to what happened. The jury was perfectly justified in arriving at the verdict which it has returned."