BRIDGE INCIDENT

Southland Times, Issue 21659, 22 March 1932, Page 7

BRIDGE INCIDENT

DE GROOT CHARGED ACCUSED ADMITTED TO BAIL SHILLING FUND OPENED (United Pr.-ss Assn.— By Telegraph—Copyright.) (Roc. 8.55 p.m.) Sydney, March 21. Captain do Groot was charged with maliciously damaging a ribbon valued at £2, offensive behaviour and threatening language to Inspector Robson. He was admitted to bail on £lO, Colonel Campbell, leader of the New Guard, becoming bondsman. Superintendent Mackay, who figured prominently in Saturday’s sensation, was the chief witness. Ho gave evidence as to what happened prior to and after the severance of the official ribbon by de Groot. He went on to say he had met de Groot previously during disturbances at election time, when he played an active part on behalf of the New Guard against Communist speakers. Witness formed the opinion that de Groot was not in his right mind, his action on Saturday strengthening this view. De Groot also threatened him with • a sword. The medical testimony was that de Groot gave the clearest account of his movements and actions before and after his arrest. His story was quite coherent and there was no evidence whatever that he was insane; therefore the witnesses recommended his discharge. A shilling fund has been initiated to commemorate de Groot’s act. The promoters say they are already inundated with shillings, having received 2500 in the first few hours. Many large donations to the fund from prominent business people have been acknowledged. PE GROOT QUITE SANE EXAMINATION BY PROFESSORS. NEW GUARD ENDORSES ACT. Sydney, March 21. Captain de Groot was examined during the week-end by the Professor of Psychiatry at Sydney University and Dr. Macpherson, who reported that there was no evidence of insanity whatever in de Groot. Professor Dawson concurred in this view. Colonel Eric Campbell, leader of the New Guard, stated that de Groot acted with the full approval of the New Guard, but the idea was entirely his own. De Groot had unquestionably served as an officer in the 15th King’s Hussars during the war and hod every right to wear the uniform on Saturday. He was most careful that there should be no discredit thrown upon the Governor, and he took no action whatever before Mr Lang spoke. Colonel Campbell added: “Captain de Groot’s conduct throughout was dignified and orderly and did not involve any breach of the peace. I saw de Groot and ho is very sorry' to learn | that a police officer was cut through coming in contact with his sword. De Groot had no idea of resisting arrest.” De Groot appeared before Mr MacDougall, S.M., at the Lunacy Court this morning and, as soon as the Magistrate heard the evidence of the medical officer, he announced: "You are discharged.” Do Groot immediately left the court with his counsel, but was re-arrested later on other charges. About 1000 people gathered round the precincts of the court, and when de Groot drove away in a car with Colonel Campbell there were cheers and hoots from the crowd, but the cheers predominated. The Defence Department states that de Groot is not a member of the Commonwealth Forces.