Trial of Mrs Dean.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 6, Issue 40, 25 June 1895, Page 2

Trial of Mrs Dean.

SENTENCED TO DEATH.

Invercargill, June 21. The trial of Minnie Dean was continued to-day. The question of the advisibility of evidence of the murder of Eva Hornsby was brought up by Mr Hanlon for the accused. Mr Justice Williams said he had no doubt that such evidence was admissible, but he noted Mr Hanlon's objection in order that he might, if he chose, bring the matter under the notice of the Attorney-General, as provided by sub-Section 1 of Section 413 of the Criminal Code Act. The taking of evidence was proceeded with, and it was practically finished, but it is possible that the Crown will leave the evidence in connection with the skeleton of the child found in the Larches' garden. Nothing new was elicited.

The Crown Prosecutor in addressing the jury spoke for ninety minutes.

No witnesses were called for the defence.

Mr Hanlon, Mrs Dean's counsel, also spoke for ninety minutes. He contended that the child Dorothy Edith Carter's death was the result of misadventure, the accused having given her an overdose of laudanum. The jury, he contended, might return a verdict of manslaughter, but the evidence did not justify finding one of wilful murder. He said the death of the other child (Eva Hornsby) was caused by suffocation, through vomoting milk given her by Mrs Hornsby. The Judge said the jury had had a sufficiently trying day, so he would defer summing up until the following morning.

The Court was crowded during the afternoon, and a large number of women had to be content with standing room.

June 22,

His Honour summed up this morning, and after an hour's deliberation the jury found the prisoner Guilty. When asked whether she had any reason to offer why sentence should not be passed upon her, Minnie Dean rose, and in a firm clear voice said, " No; I have only to thank Detective McGrath for his kindness to me." His Honour then assumed the black cap, and passed sentence of death, which the prisoner received with perfect composure. She stepped out of the dock apparently the least concerned woman in the crowded Court.