PLEAS OF GUILTY

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21037, 13 February 1940, Page 6

PLEAS OF GUILTY

HOTEL ROOM CASES ALL CHARGES BUT ONE MAN & WOMAN FOR SENTENCE JUDGE CONSULTS COUNSEL (By Telegraph.—Press Association) AUCKLAND, Tuesday The two accused in the Station Hotel case in the Supreme Court yesterday reversed their original pleas of not guilty to admit the charges against them, except the first count in the case of the man. On that count, of aiding and abetting his wife to commit suicide, he was found not guilty. When the hearing began separate trials to avoid prejudice were granted by the Chief Justice, Sir Michael Myers. Evidence was taken until the luncheon adjournment. The accused, who were remanded until Thursday for sentence, were Francis Leonard Laurie, storeman, aged 39 (Mr Trevor Henry) and Josephine Norton Laycock, aged 34 (Mr R. S. Burt). Laurie was charged with aiding and abetting his wife, Beatrice Florence Rita Laurie, to commit suicide on November 5, attempting to murder Mrs Laycock, and attempting to commit suicide on November 6. Mrs Laycock was charged with attempting to commit suicide on November 6. Two Charges Admitted Mr Henry announced that Laurie desired to reverse his pleas to the second and third counts —attempting to murder Mrs Laycock and attempting to commit suicide. Laurie pleaded guilty to these two charges, and Mr Meredith said he did not intend to tender any further evidence on the first count of aiding and abetting in his wife’s suicide. His Honour then directed the jury to return a verdict of not guilty on the first count and verdicts of guilty on the other two counts. The jury returned verdicts accordingly, and Laurie was remanded until Thursday for sentence.