Sentenced to Death.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 69, 21 November 1913, Page 5

Sentenced to Death.

THE MAYFIELD MURDER.

COLLAPSE OF THE CONDEMNED MAN. [Per Press Association.] Christchurch, November 20. Alfred Biddle, charged with the murder of .Mrs Lillev at Mayneld last month, came up for trial at the Supreme Court to-day. The facts of the case were not challenged, but a plea of insanity was set up. Evidence was produced that the accused came from a tainted family and was addicted to vicious habits. After a quarter-of-an-hout's retirement, the jury returned a verdict of "guilty of wilful murder." The accused sprawled over the front of the dock, and his hands worked convulsively. Jn reply to a question as to whether he had anything to say why sentence of death should not be pronounced, accused said "Xo."

The usual proclamation preceding the passing of the death sentence was made by the crier. His Honor placed the black cap upon his head, and, addressing the prisoner, said ; “You have been convicted of murder, as to the character of which I do not propose to comment upon. All I have to do is to pass on you the only sentence which | the law permits. The sentence of the ' court is that you be taken to a place of execution and there hanged by the I neck until von are dead.”

The prisoner received the sentence in silence, and was lifted out of the dock bv two warders.