MORE EVIDENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22481, 27 July 1936, Page 9

MORE EVIDENCE

LETTERS TO THE PALACE A PREVIOUS CONVICTION SUCCESSFUL APPEAL By Telegraph—rrcss Association—Copyright LONDON, July '2l In giving evidence for the Crown in the case against G. A. McMahon Thomas Alsop, mounted policeman, who was on duty at Hyde Park corner at the time of the incident, said that something blinded him in the sunshine. It hit His Majesty's horse on the near side hind leg below the fetlock. "I immediately dismounted and picked up the missile. I found it to be a loaded revolver," said witness. Handed a brightly-plated revolver, witness said it was not the revolver he had picked up.

Chief-inspector Sands said that Constable Alsop had handed him a revolver which he identified as an exhibit handed to him, remarking, "The only difference is that it is now unloaded. I took out the cartridges and gave the revolver to an expert named Churchill." Accused's Grievance Against Police Mr. Kerstein asked witness if the police had called at McMahon's house on the morning of July IG. Witness said he did not know. He agreed that certain communications from McMahon had reached the Palace. As far as he was aware, none of them were threatening. He admitted that McMahon was convicted at the Old Bailey of criminal libel against police officers, but the conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal. Further questioned, Chief-Inspector Sands agreed that McMahon was imprisoned for some months for this. His grievance related to alleged unjust imprisonment. Story of the Arresting Officer Constable Daniel Mavne stated that when the King was slightly to his right he saw accused rushing oii to the road. He appeared to be making toward His Majesty. "I immediately rushed forward as he came into position in front of me. I grabbed his arms and shoulders. Looking over him I saw a shining object inHhe air fall under the forelegs of tho King's horse. I distinctly saw that it was a revolver. Witness described McMahon's arrest and identified some cartridges and an envelope as having been found in accused's possession. He said that when he asked accused his name and address, he replied: "I shan't tell you until I have had a drink of water. I am ill." Later accused said: "I wish I had done the job properly." To Mr. Kerstein McMahon did not say something about suicide and shooting himself in front of the King in my hearing nor did he say anything about Sir John Simon. I saw a shining object in the air as I rushed forward after I got hold of accused. Counsel Objects to a Statement Mr. Kerstein: So it could not Come from prisoner's hand? Witness: Yes. Mr. Kerstein: Could the object have gone into the air as the result of someone striking prisoner's hand? Witness: Not that distance. Mr. Kerstein, addressing the Court on behalf of accused, said he wished to object to the statement that accused had said: "I wish I had done the job properly," being recorded in the evidence. The magistrate said he did not think the objection could be allowed, but Mr. Kerstein might make it again. Gun Expert's Testimony Thomas Griffiths, one of the constables who assisted in the arrest of McMahon, said that accused stated: "I could easily have shot him but I only threw it. It would have been better if I had shot myself." Cross-examined, witness said that Constable Mayne was the first to grasp the accused, and then himself. Dick did not touch the prisoner until they were taking him through the crowd. He did not see Dick or anyone else knock anything from prisoner's hand. Kobert Churchill, gun expert, was asked whether, if the chamber of the revolver opposite the barrel was empty and the rest loaded and the trigger was pulled, one of the cartridges would bo discharged. He replied: Yes. Mr. Kerstein suggested that if the chamber in line with the barrel was empty the revolver would not have been discharged if the trigger was pressed. Mr. Churchill: It is possible. Talk of Committing Suicide Detective-InspeCtor Kidd was asked by Mr. Kerstein whether McMahon appeared to be distracted when he talked of shooting himself in front of tho King. Witness said that accused was fairly composed, then very violent at Hyde Park Police Station. "A police officer in my presence removed his collar for safety s sake, said witness. Mr. Kerstein: You thought it a wise precaution lest he should commit suicide? Witness: Yes. Mr. Fulton asked for the committal of the accused on all three charges.

NEWS FILM OFFENDS LEGAL ACTION TAKEN DESCRIPTION OF EPISODE LONDON, July 2-1 The King's Bench Division has granted another application for a rule nisi for attachment for alleged contempt of Court against Gaumont-British Distributors, Limited, and the manager and proprietors of the Hendon Central Cinema. An affidavit from McMahon's solicitor, Mr. Kerstein, stated that he protested against a Gaumont-British news film describing "an attempt to assassinate the King." In spite of assurances from the company that it would delete the offending passages, the film continued to be shown in a form calculated to prejudice the fair trial of accused.