SCENE IN COURT

Southland Times, Issue 20172, 7 May 1927, Page 8

SCENE IN COURT

A VIOLENT PRISONER FORCIBLE EJECTION FROM DOCK INCIDENT AT AUCKLAND (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, May 5. A scene was created in the Supreme Court by William Murray Aicken, who was charged with using obscene language. When the case was brought in the Lower Court he had taken advantage of the right to be tried by a Jury instead of by a Magistrate. Justice Herdman said: “It is high time the Legislature determined that such cases as this should be heard by the Magistrate and that the time of this Court and the Jury should not be occupied with cases that are really trifling.” Accused made rambling statements extending over two hours and paid little attention when the Judge pulled him up for talking about irrelevant matters. His Honour threatened once to have accused removed and to continue the case in his absence. Eventually accused became violent in the dock and w r as removed by force. Loud shouts and screams were afterwards heard. The Jun*, without leaving the box, found accused guilty, the foreman stating that there appeared to be something wrong with him, although the doctors had not found him insane. “It may interest you to know that this man has a list of 14 convictions against him, including three of obscene language,” said his Honour. There was a further scene when Aicken was brought back and informed of the verdict. Sentence was postponed until Monday.