ALLEGED ARSON

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21057, 8 March 1940, Page 6

ALLEGED ARSON

CLERK CHARGED MENTAL STATE INVOLVED NAME SUPPRESSED (By Telegraph.—press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Thursday Arson was the charge preferred against a 20-year-old clerk, when he appeared in the Magistrate’s Court and was remanded, with counsel’s consent to March 18. his name being suppressed during the period of the remand. The accused was charged that on March 1, he set fire to a building at .'73 Cashel Street, the property of the Church Property Trustees, thereby committing arson. He was remanded by Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M.. at the request of Detective-Sergeant F. Sinclair. In asking for bail and suppression in the meantime Mr C. V. Quigley said that he understood there was a medical side to the case and that the charges had no connection with any other fires. “What is your special reason for asking for non-publicaticn?” asked the magistrate. “You know the Court’s usual ruling in these matters.” Mr Quigley replied that the accused’s action seemed to be the outcome of a mental aberration. Immediate steps for a medical examination were being taken. “If there is a medical question it may be the fairest way,” said the magistrate, in suppressing the accused’s name and admitting him to bail in his own recognisance of £2OO, with one surety of £2OO.