!
-25-26.
137
mental processes had practically abandoned him and he was incapable of knowing what he was doing. That is the degree of intoxication that is required to reduce the offence from that of
murder to that of manslaughter.
Jury retire at 6 p.m.
Jury return at 6.30 p.m.
-
Verdict: "Guilty of Murder" unanimous.
Chief Justice: That is the verdict of you all ?
Foremanof Jury: Yes, might I add a rider? We came to a
unanimous verdict of guilty of murder, with a strong recommendation
for mercy.
Judge: Thank you gentlemen. I will be at pains to see that
recommendation is conveyed to the proper quarter.
Verdict interpreted to Prisoner who allocutis states from
the dock: "I fell into the nullah myself and I was also hurt. My legs were swollen. I do not know what happened to me at all. I have a grandmother at home in Swatow who is over 80 years old and a father of over 60 years old. I have also a wife in
the country and my son is only about 2 years old. All these people so named depend on me for their living and if I should be put to death they will be starved. I deny having committed the offence of murder. I had so much wine that I got drunk
and I do not know what happened to me after I had that wine. I beg of My Lord to recommend me for mercy and I swear that I
will drink no more: That is all".
Judge to Prisoner: Death sentence interpreted to Prisoner.
Jury exempted for 2 years.
Adjourned at 6.35 p.m.