A SCENE IN COURT.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12397, 12 November 1908, Page 4

A SCENE IN COURT.

A DESPERATE PRISONER. -

[United Press Association.] Auckland, Nov. 11

■ At the Supreme Court to-day, before Mr Justice Edwards, "William Richard McLean, alias Murphy,^ alias William' Lofty, '■ a< tall swarthy powerfully built man, about 30 years of age, -was placed upon his, trial on a charge of attempted murder and using obscene language. •In the case for the prosecution Mr Tole explained that on the >30th July the prisoner "was 'travelling between Teawamutu: and Taumarunui, which district was a prohibition district and no one was allowed to : bring liquor except for private use 'and' then it had; to be properly labelled. Constable Maher saw the prisoner" get off the train. The > Constable . asked the prisoner what he had in. his v parcel, and subsequently the prisoner and the Constable got 'a little further 'down the ■road',, when the prisoner inurderous"ly assaulted; him, trying to tear his flesh, to dislocate his jaw, to gouge his .eyes out, and to drop him in t the river. In addition to which ho kicked the Constable and belaboured him with a heavy piece of timber. From the evidence it was clear that had not several persons cbmo ;along at the opportune moment the prisoner's expressed intention of torturing the Constable to; death would have been carried. into effect. As it was the Constable, received yeiry .^serious injuries. ■.',"■ The jury returned: a .-verdict of guilty 'on all the counts. : His Honor said the prisoner had previously;- been -convicted of- robbery with violence, and f or breaking and entering. ■ 'It was evident he had intended to murder the Constable, and .had nearly succeeded. in doing: so. The prisoner would be sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment., : - ?< What?" said the prisoner, "20 years!" • • -Then cursing all and" sundry, he made: a desperate attempt to ; escape from the. court,- "dealing out i sledge' hammer ; blowsr;at the police, > wno;: : interceptod him. /It took ■;15j Constables ito overpower the prisoner ! 'who, -vowing 'to have, his revenge,: was carried, still struggling, to the : 1 :■s, ■ ;;J ■ : : ~ ;'. "-y ■•', ;-■