UNUSUAL CASE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20782, 17 July 1937, Page 6

UNUSUAL CASE

ACCUSED SHOULD BE PITIED THREATENED TO SHOOT I FATHER-IN-LAW By Telegraph—Press Association DUNEDIN. July 16. The ususual circumstances of a charge against a man of presenting a loaded rifle at his father-in-law were related by Senior-Sergeant Packer in the Police Court to*day. It was suggested that a loan of £3OO which accused could not repay preyed so much on his mind that he came from the south to the house of his father-in-law, and threatened to shoot him. He admitted the offence and was remanded for a week by Mr H. W. Bundle, s M., for medical observation. ■ The Magistrate said that in his present frame of mind he was a source of potential danger, and he would recommend to the Minister of Justice that he be placed in an institution for three months for medical treatment. Accused pleaded guilty. “This man deserves the sympathy of j the Court in this offence,” said the I Senior-Sergeant Defendant was the [ son-in-law of complainant, who had I at one time lent him £320 to purchase a house in Mornington, and because accused had not paid any interest, a solicitor's letter was sent to him. Accused saw complainant and told him he could have the house and its contents. He was working at the time at the Hillside Workshops, and gave up his employment and left for the country. On June 17 complainant was attempting to start his motor car preparatory to going visiting It was dark, and a man appeared on the scene and offered to fix the engine. This man .was accused, and as complainant walked towards him he said, “stand still or I W’ill shoot you.” The Senior-Sergeant said that com- | plainant tried to reason with accused, and every time he approached accused | threatened to shoot him. and complainant’s housekeeper. He emphasised his intention by firing a shot and gravel from the path struck the housekeeper on the leg Subsequently he agreed to go into the house and he walked behind them with the rifle. Once in the house he sat on a bench and threatened to shoot if they came near. After 15 minutes he walked out of the house. Next day ccmplainant, who had really done all he could to assist accused, went by car t see the accused but all he would say was “you have ruined my life.” The Magistrate remanded accused for a week and said that he would recommend that he be placed in a mental hospital for three months for medical treatment.