DEVONPORT STABBING CASE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14447, 13 February 1909, Page 5

DEVONPORT STABBING CASE.

SUPREME COURT PROCEEDINGS.

(Pkr Unhid I'hess Association.)

AUCKLAND, February 12. The man George M'Guirk, who was committed for trial recently from the lower court on a charge of having, at Dovonport, on December 14, attempted to murder his brother-in-law, George Barrett, by stabbing him in the neck with a sharp instrument, was tried this morning at the Supreme Court. An alternative charge of having caused actual and grievous bodily harm was preferred, and M'Guirk, who was undefended, pleaded "Not guilty" to both counts. Mr J. A. Toic, Crown Prosecutor, said that M'Guirk, after an absence from the bouse of_ Barrett, where he had previously stayed for some time, returned on the night in question about 8.30, made some inquiries of his sister who answered his knock, went away, and returned about 10 o'clock demanding admission and creating some disturbance. Barrett ordered him out of the hov.se. M'Guirk then suddenly struck Barrett in the neck, apparently villi a knife, and made off. Barrett attempted to follow, but through loss of blood collapsed, awl when Dr Guinness arrived was in a dangerous state, the wound missing fatal consequences in the doctor's opinion by a very small margin. After evidence had been given supporting the previous statements, MGuirk was asked if he had any evidence to call or had anything to say. "No." replied M'Gnirk, " 1 just wish to say that my word is as good as Barrett's. I never stabbed him. I hit him with a handbag. One man's word is as good as another's, and the prisoner, I believe, generally has the benefit of the doubt." The Judge : ' Yes, if there is any, but. unfortunately, there does not seem to be any in this case." "My word is as good as Barrett's any day," was all that M'Guirk answered to tliis. After a short retirement the jury returned with a verdict of "Guilty" on the second count of having, with intent, caused actual and grievous bodily harm.