THE O'DWYER OUTRAGE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24254, 23 March 1940, Page 11

THE O'DWYER OUTRAGE

ACCUSED BEFORE THE COURT SAUNTERS IN SMILING LONDON, Mar. 21. (Received Mar. 22, at 10 p.m.) Not even bothering to remove his hat, Azad sauntered into the court smiling when he was faced with the charge of feloniously murdering Sir Michael O'Dwyer. The gaoler snatched off the hat but the defendant continued to grin and had his hands in his pockets as the story of the murder was related. The director of public prosecutions (Mr Evans) said he believed Azad's real name is Udham Singh. The charge was accordingly amended because of misapprehension about the accused's religion and race. The defendant allegedly made the following statement: "I don't mind what sentence I get. I did my duty. I did not intend to take a person's life, but just meant to protest. I don't belong to any society." A witness, Bertha Herring, a white-haired middle-aged woman, told how she tackled the defendant after the shooting. " I heard a terrific explosion and saw a revolver in the hand of a man. He turned and came towards me. I felt deep resentment and ran to meet him and grabbed and struggled with him. Two gentlemen then leaped on his back." The hearing was adjourned.