THE DEATH OF BERON.

Southland Times, Issue 16688, 17 March 1911, Page 5

THE DEATH OF BERON.

MORRISON TO DIE. (By Telegraph. —Presa ABsoclatlon.— Copyright.) LONDON, March 15. In the Clapham Common murder trial the whole day was spent in Mr Justice Darling’s searching inquiry into the police treatment of Morrison. Constable Greaves gave evidence that he wrote to Morrison's counsel in the interests of justice detailing what had occurred at the police station, and said he had hesitated to speak earlier, as he did not desire to implicate his colleagues. Counsel for the prosecution argued that Morrisons defence rested almost entirely on his own oath. His attack on witnesses suggested inquiry as. to his own antecedents, hence he was searchingly cross-examined. The prosecution contended that he was a practised burglar and possessed instruments of death, and probably a “jemmy.” Regarding alleged political revenge. Inspector Wensley testified that Beron did not give information concerning the Houndsdltch case. The Judge in consultation with counsel, agreed to admit fresh evidence. A constable stated that the prisoner, on arrest was definitely charged with the murder, a fact which the police have hitherto denied. Morrison was eventually found guilty, and has been sentenced to death. SNAPSHOTTING) PRISONERS. AN UNDESIRABLE PRACTICE. LONDON, March 16. Received 16, 10.10 p.m. Greaves, when cross-examined, admitted that he had been twice suspended, firstly for complaining of his sergeant, secondly for making supposedly untrue statements to the Superintendent. Thereafter he was transferred to another division. Justice Darling, in summing up, endorsed the jury’s protest against indiscriminate snap-shotting at those engaged in the trial. It was far graver when people were permitted to photograph prisoners not yet identified by those having testified against them. Such photographs might be seen by possibly uncertain witnesses, who might thereby be induced to swear identification which they would otherwise have been unable to do. Morrison had been thus photographed when merely remanded on suspicion. The practice was obviously injurious to the prosecution and was calculated to frustrate the whole ends of justice. The jury was absent for thirty-five minutes. Mr Churchill (Home Secretary), in reply to a question, said that snap-shot-ting at trials was under consideration.