ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19259, 25 August 1924, Page 7

ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGE

“PUSHED OVER CLIFF.” WIFE ACCUSES HUSBAND. (Per United Press Association.! CHRISTCHURCH, August 22. The case in which John Edward Jeffreys is charged with attempting to murder his wife at Glontui on Sunday, July 27. came before Mr Wyvorn Wilson, S.M., at Rang!orn tprday, and lasted until a late hour to-night. Ur Allen, Rangiora, detailed the injuries suffered by Mrs Jeffreys, which consisted mainly of bruises, abrasions, and a fracture of th(J bone of the left forearm. Florence Jeffreys, wife of the accused, said that on July 27, with her husband. tw«, of their children, and two Maorijj. and Toni Jeffreys, she went to Glentui on a pig shooting expedition. When walking with her husband on the top of the cliff she felt his arm go round her back, and she went over the cliff. She was pushed over. She did not remember sticking on the way dowti. When her husband arrived she said: “Jack, you did this.” Ho replied: “My God, if you say that I’ll get six months.” The accused and the Maoris got her home. She accused her husband of trying to murder her. but did* not lay any information against him. Detective Bickerdike put in a statement made by accused. It was io the effect that for the poet five years his wife had been pestering him with money and other domestic affairs. He had onlv been sleeping at home, having meals at his mother’s. On the day in question ho sent the other members of the party down the gully to hunt pigs, and after watching them a few minutes gave his wife a push, and she slipped over the cliff. He realised in. an instant that ho had done wrong, and immediately went to where his wife was lying at the foot of the cliff. He summoned tho other*, and with their aid got her home. Tho occurrence was due to domestic troubles. When charged with the offence, the detective continued, sweased said; “I have told you the truth in the statement I have given you.” Accused pleaded not guilty, and was committed for trial. Bail was refused.