DRUCE PERJURY CASE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6493, 13 April 1908, Page 5

DRUCE PERJURY CASE

“MISS" ROBINSON SENTENCED' TO FOUR YEARS* IMPRISONMENT. COMMENTS BY THE JUDGE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received April 12, 4.20 p.m.) LONDON, April H. Tho trial of Mary Robinson, charged with perjury in connection with th« Druoe case, ended yesterday. Mr Avory, K.C., who appeared for tho prosecution, declared that tho of. fence was ono of tho worst possible, and was committed solely from, sordid motives. Sir Charles Matthew, K. 0., leading counsel for the defence, pleaded that the prisoner had been cruelly and wickedly duped. She was a mere pup, pot in the hands of tho master mind guiding the conspiracy. He. admitted that flic prisoner's crime was indofon, sible,' and asked for leniency only in view of the special circumstances. Mr Justice Walton said he did not ■wish to make any imputation against any particular individual in relation to tile prisoner. He was satisfied slid had keen tempted to commit perjury. Ho emphasised the very serious misj chief arising from tho promotion ol companies for adopting and maintain, ing shadowy claims to property, and the ’ willingness of a public of infinite credulity to contribute money to such schemes. Ho commented on tho instt tution of criminal proceedings in supj port of a monstrous claim, and added that Robinson was doubtless acting under pressure, and had yielded to temptation. Her ago was the only mitigating circumstance weighing with him, otherwise he would have im. posed the maximum sentence of seven years.

Mr Justice Walton then sentenced the prisoner to four years’ imprisoni* mont.