SENTENCED TO DEATH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17174, 29 November 1917, Page 4

SENTENCED TO DEATH

SEQUEL TO KAUNGAROA TRAGEDY. IPb* Uhitkd Pbsui Absociatiok.) WANGANUI, November 28. The trial of Frank Edward Bennier for the murder of his wife at Kaungaroa on September 10 was continued at the Supreme Court to-day, before Mr Justice Edwards. Prisoner gave evidence, and stated" that he did not remember tho tragedy. He admitted, prior to the tragedy, telling thjD police sergeant that he would "do for his wife," but stated that he was not sober at the time. He might also have told another man he would settle his wife, but he did not remember it.

Counsel for prisoner contended that the crime was committed during a fit of impulsive insanity. The Crown Prosecutor occupied only 10 minutes in his address to the jury, and contended that the crime was the act of a revengeful man who was not insane. His Honor, summing up, occupied 20 minutes. Mr Justice Edwards said the case was extraordinary in many wrays. Prisoner had attacked six persons in the house before attacking his wife. The evidence showed that prisoner was emotional and of low intellectual ability. It was curious'that no expert evidence had been called for the defence, counsel reiving on the_ medical authorities to support the plea of impulsive insanity. The jury, after three hours' retirement, returned a verdict of guilty. Prisoner made no reply when asked if he had anything to say. before sentence was passed. His Honor then put on the black cap and pronounced the sentence of death.