SHOT IN LONDON STREET

Southland Times, Issue 23838, 8 June 1939, Page 5

SHOT IN LONDON STREET

WELDER’S ASSISTANT CHARGED INCIDENT OUTSIDE HOME OF DUKE OF KENT LONDON, June 6. As a sequel to the firing of a shot in Belgrave Square when the Duchess of Kent was leaving her home there last evening, Ledwedge Vincent Lawlor, aged 45, described as a welder’s assistant, of Newington Causeway, appeared in the Westminster Police Court this morning on a charge “that on June 5 at Belgrave Square he had in his possession a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life or cause serious damage contrary to the Firearms Act.”

Constable Tice gave evidence that at 8.40 p.m. last night, accompanied by Constable Dickie, he was on duty in Belgrave Square. He saw the prisoner standing on the opposite comer when the Duchess of Kent left her home. As her car passed by he heard a shot and saw the accused hurrying across the road to a bicycle.

“I boarded another car and overtook the accused some distance away,” said Constable Tice. “We swerved, and forced him against a traffic island. Later a gun was picked up from the pavemnt. The breech contained an empty cartridge case.” Lawlor was remanded in custody for a week.

A firearm a foot long with a polished wooden butt was produced in the Court when Lawlor was charged. There was a series of loud metallic clicks as the usher fumbled with the weapon, displaying it to the Magistrate. Detective-Inspector Hayward, who gave evidence about the arrest,, said: “I told the accused at the Gerald road police station that he was seen to discharge the weapon produced at a motor-car in Belgrave Square. To this Lawlor replied that it was his property and that he possessed a certificate for it. I told him that the certificate did not entitle him to carry it or discharge it in the street.” When the charge was read Lawlor did not reply. During the hearing of the evidence Lawlor sat in a corner of the dock fumbling with a shabby fawn felt hat and occasionally glancing to the Press box. Scotland Yard and Australia House have been unable to substantiate that Lawlor is an Australian or came from Australia.

Extra police and private detectives accompanied the Duchess of Kent to the Chelsea Babies’ Club garden party.