ATTACKED STEP MOTHER

Waikato Times, Volume 103, Issue 17411, 25 May 1928, Page 8

ATTACKED STEP MOTHER

CLERGYMAN’S SON’S CRIME. EIGHT WOUNDS INFLICTED. Originally accused of attempted murder, Wilfred Bennett, 35, of Sheepy, Warwickshire, was committed to Portsmouth Quarter Sessions on a charge of wounding Ada Amelia Bennet, 61, his step-mother, at. Cottagegrove, Southsea. Mrs Bennett was described as the third wife of the late Rev. Alfred William Bennett, prisoner being a son by the first wife. The case for the prosecution, presented by Mr Edward Ward, was that on the evening of January 28, Bennett, who had been forbidden the house, knocked at the door of his stepmother’s home. On Mrs Bennett opening the door he pushed her inside the house and rained blows on her head with a piece of metal piping. The action of neighbours, who rushed in on hearing Mrs Bennett's screams, undoubtedly saved her life. She had received eight blows on the side of the head, and for a time was on the danger list- at the hospital, her depositions being taken under the belief that- she was dying.

In the \vitne|s-box, Mrs Bennett had to be attended by a doctor, being in a weak condition. She gave her evidence with reluctance, having no wish t.o press the charge. She mentioned that prior to January she had not seen prisoner for about ten years, when he came one afternoon to ask his father for money. While he was talking to his father accused drew a revolver from his pocket, but his father held him away. The revolver was found to be leaded. Her husband pave prisoner some money and told him not to come to the house again. On January 19, there was a ring on her basement door and she was startled to find her stepson there. He exclaimed, 1 I. want you to wiite a testimonial so that I can get. employment.’’ Witness replied that she could not do that and advised him to see his brother in London. He then stated that he had no money and she "rr ave him £2. He came again on January 23. and a Mrs Brewer answered the door to prisoner, so that he should see that witness was not alone. Bennett demanded more money and he was given £1 12s 6d. Witness did not see him again till January 28, when she was alone in the house. Detective-Inspector Williams stated that when Mrs Bennett’s depositions, taken in hospital, were read over to her stepson he remarked, “ She screamed; T lost my head and hit. her.’’ Bennett bad on him a small pistol and 16 rounds of live ammunition, and also an electric torch and several tools.