The Eyreton Murders

Southland Times, Issue 15016, 9 August 1901, Page 2

The Eyreton Murders

CONVICTION OF McLEAN. [Per United Press Association-.] CiiiusTciirßtu, Aug. 7Tho charge against Alexander McLean of murdering Mrs, Miss and Master Martin was taken at the .Supreme Court to-day. The accused pleaded "Not Guilty." Mr Stringer, in opening the ease for the Crown, said there svere two branches of evidence — strong circumstantial and accused's own confession. The only possible defence that could be ottered was that prisoner was insane at the time of the murder. On that point, Mr Stringer stated that since accused was arrested he had been under careful observation, and his demeanour, taken in conjunction with hia whole conduct from first to last, gave no ground for supposing that he was not a responsible being That he was of a low order of humanity might be admitted, but there was no reason to suppose he was insane. Evidence was taken on the lines of that given at tho Magistrate's Court, and it was shown that the accused's statement so far as i t referred to Miss Martin was untrue. Dr Symes, cross-examined by Mr Joynt, counsel for accused, stated that prisoner's physical condition was such as would render hir.i liable to tits of uncontrollable impulse. He was also liable to be easily excited. His mental capacity was fairly good, and there was nothing to indicate his faculties were deranged. The jury retired at 2.40, returning at 3. '20 with a verdict of " Guilty " and a statement that they did not believe the accused's story of improper relations with Miss Martin, in which' the Judge concurred. The prisoner" was then sentenced to death, and replied, " Thank you, your Honour." He was ivmoved to Lyttelton gaol under a strong escort.