NEWLANDS SENSATION.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15245, 23 May 1923, Page 5

NEWLANDS SENSATION.

COOPER FOUND GUILTY. DEATH SENTENCE PASSED. MRS COOPER ACQUITTED. By Telegraph. —Press Association. WELLINGTON, Tuesday. When the Supreme Court resumed at 2.27 p.m. the jury returned. In reply to the registrar’s question, the foreman said the jury found a verdict of guilty against the male accused, and not guilty against the female accused. There were slight manifestations of applause on the second pronouncement, but these were quickly suppressed. Mrs Cooper during the trial had been accommodated in a separate dock, but now appeared in the main dock with her husband. A constable and a woman police attendant stood between them. Both naturally displayed the effects of the great strain they had been subjected to. On the announcement of the verdict Cooper bowed his head, visibly deeply affected. The woman remained more composed. A deep hush prevailed for a moment. Then, at a word from Mr Justice Chapman, Mrs Cooper was removed from the Court. The registrar then asked Cooper if he had anything to say why sentence of death should not be passed upon him. The prisoner replied in a voice which was low and failed at the end: “I can only say that I am innocent of this, and I cannot believe yet that the child found was McLeod’s.” The Court crier having commanded silence, His Honor addressed the prisoner and said: “Prisoner at the bar, it is unnecessary that I should Say /more than a few words. Your crime in the eyes of the public speaks for itself. Unfortunately, I have had to pass sentence of death on several occasions, but I have never known such a cruel and heartless murder as this.” Assuming the black cap, the Judge then said: “The sentpnee of the Court is that you be laken hence to the place of execution, and there banged by the neck till you are dead.” The condemned man bowed his head, apparently dazed, and was hurriedly taken away to the cells. His Honor thanked Hie jury for the careful attention they had given to a painful case. He would make an order that they be-discharged from jury service for five years. His Honor also complimented the police on the fairness they had shown in the conduct of the case. On Mr Treadwell’s application for Cooper, His Honor agreed to hear an application in chambers for leave to appeal on tho question of the admissability of certain evidence. The Crown Prosecutor gave notice of his intention to enter a nolle„prosequi (withdrawal) in the other two charges against Mrs Cooper, which will be dealt with on/ Monday next, to which date the criminal sessions have been adjourned. Large crowds of curious spectators collected outside the Court, in the vicinity of the exit from the cells to see the condemned man removed. The police, however, kept a track clear for the van and very few had a view of the prisoner as he entered and was driven away. There was no demonstration, and in a few minutes the crowd dispersed.