FOUR CHARGES AGAINST WOMAN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17745, 15 January 1926, Page 5

FOUR CHARGES AGAINST WOMAN.

S.M. REFUSES BAIL; HEALTH PLEA FAILS. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, January 14. “ There might be a death if I allowed this woman bail, and then I would feel myself responsible,” said Mr J. W. Poynton, S.M., in the Police Court today, in refusing Mr Singer’s application to grant bail to Mrs Martha Jane O’Shaughnessy, aged fifty-nine. Accused was committed to the Supreme Court for trial on four charges of unlawfully using an instrument. It was pointed out by Mr Singer that the Supreme Court criminal sessions did not start till February 2. That meant that Mrs O’Shaughnessy would have to remain in gaol for over a fortnight. Little harm could be done if she were admitted to bail. Mr Singer suggesteciT*hat in view of the state of her health *he Magistrate might grant the request. Mr Poynton said he felt very reluctant about it. If the woman were ill she could be transferred from Mount ■Eden Gaol to Auckland Hospital. “ You see, she has already been committed to the Supreme Court for trial on two charges, and while she is out on bail she is brought here on four other charges,” said the Magistrate. “ No, I can’t allow her her liberty.” Mr Singer put Dr Horton in the box to describe the condition of Mrs O’Shaughnessy’s leg. It was in such a condition that it should be dressed properlv and frequently. It required either skin grafting or amputation. She should be in hospital. Chief-Detective Cummings: You 11 with me. doctor, that in yiew of

the condition of this woman’s leg it is very dangerous for her to perform these operations? And you'll admit that drinking won’t help her condition ? Dr Horton: It is a very bad leg indeed. It was quite a mistake to imagine that because a person was ill he or she could not and ought not to be sent to gaol, said Mr Poynton. It should be remembered that there was a hospital in the gaol, with medical men in regular attendance, and drugs of every kind were available. If necessary, serious cases could be and were transferred from gaol to the general hospital. Mr Singer asked that the Magistrate should recommend Mrs O’Shaughnessv’s transfer to Auckland Hospital on l)r Horton’s evidence. The Magistrate said he could not do that, but if the gaol surgeon agreed that she should be removed his Worship would make the necessary recommendation.