BAIL REFUSED.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19688, 15 January 1926, Page 5

BAIL REFUSED.

PLEA OF ILL-HEALTH IGNORED. GAOL TREATMENT ADEQUATE. (Pee United Pbess Association.) AUCKLAND, January 14. “There might be a death if I allowed this woman bail, and then I would feel myself responsible,” said Mr J. W. Poynton, S.M., in the police court to-day in. refusing Mr Singer’s application to grant bail to Mrs Martha Jane O’Shaughnessy, aged 59. Mrs o‘Shaughnessy was committed to the Supreme Court for trial on. four charges of unlatwfuly using an instrument. It was pointed out by Mr Singer that the Supreme Court criminal sessions did not start till February 2, and that meant Mrs O’Shaughnessy would have to remain in gaol for over a fortnight. Little ham could be done if she were admitted to bail. Mr Singer suggested in view of the state of her health, the magistrate might grant the request. Mr Poynton' said ho felt very reluctant about it. If the woman were ill she could be transferred from the Mount Eden gaol to the Auckland Hospital. “You see she has already been committed to the Supreme Court for trial on two charges, and while she is out on bail she is brought hero on four other charges,” said the Magistrate. “No I can’t alloiw her her liberty.’’ Mr Singer pnt Dr Horton in the box to describe the condition of Mrs O’Shaughnessy’s leg. Dr Horton said it was in such a condition that it should be dressed properly and frequently, and it required either skin grafting or amputation. She should be in hospital. Chief-Detective Cummings: “You will agree with me, doctor, that in view of the condition of this woman’s log it is very 1 dangerous for her to perform these operations, and you will admit that drinking will not help her condition?” Dr Horton: “It is a very bad leg indeed.”

It was quite a mistake to imagine that because a person was ill, he or she could not and ought not be sent to gaol, said Mr Poynton. It should be remembered that there was a hospital in the gaol with medical men in regular attendance, and drugs of every kind were available. If necessary serious cases could be and were transferred from the gaol to the general hospital. Mr Singer asked that the Magistrate recommend Mrs O’Shaughncssy’s transfer to the Auckland Hospital. , The Magistrate said he could not do that, but if the gaol surgeon agreed that she should be removed, ho would make the necessary recommendation