LONG ARM OF THE LAW.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 21 January 1926, Page 7

LONG ARM OF THE LAW.

Murder of Banker Recalled.

REPORTED ARREST OF NEW ZEALANDER.

By Cable —Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association (Received January 20, 8.35 p.m.) MELBOURNE, January 20.

Douglas Robertson, who was arrested last month, was charged with the murder of Almeida, the Hampton bank manager, and committed for trial.

A statement, alleged to have been made by Robertson was put in as evidence. It stated that Robertson is a native of Now Zealand, and came to Australia about sixteen months ago, purely for a holiday. On arrival in Melbourne he was unfortunate in making the acquaintance of Perkins. When Robertson said he desired to return to New Zealand, Perkins asked if he would like to take £2OO or £3OO back with him, and outlined a scheme for robbing a teller, who Perkins said was short of money, and would not resist. Robertson agreed. He said he and Perkins went to the bank, Perkins going in first. When Robertson entered, he saw Perkins pointing a revolver at tho toller. According to their plan, he made for the partition. He heard a deafening report and saw the teller fall. Perlrins jumped over the counter. Robertson asked what he had done. Perkins replied, “Get a move on; get the money and get out.” Robertson grabbed the money and ran to the waiting motor car and eventually got home. Later Robertson read of the teller’s death and arrest of Perkins, and remained in hiding. [As a sequel to the murder of Mr William G. Almeida (manager at Hampton of the Victorian branch of the Commercial Bank), on November 28, 1924, when the bank was stuck up by two men, one of whom escaped, Douglas Robertson, aged 37 years, described as a. skilled labourer, was arrested on suspicion of murdering Mr Almeida. The hearing of the charge was adjourned. A man named Perkms, whom Mr Almeida, after being wounded, held at tho revolver point till lie was arrested, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment.]