The Child Murder.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 576, 28 February 1891, Page 2

The Child Murder.

[SPECIAL TO TUB STANDARD.]

Chbistchuboh, last night. No new facta were adduced in evidence for the prosecution in the child murder case at Christchurch. The defence 0! Mrs Flanagan was that she had left her daughter on the night the child was killed, and knew nothing of the occurrence till afterwards. Two witnesses deposed to meeting a woman resembling her on the South Bolt alone, who asked her way to Addington, where Flanagan lived, about half-past ten that night. Sir Robert Stout made an excellent speech in defence of Sarah Flanagan, contending that she had quitted her mother and killed the child In a sudden Impulse due to an attack of mania, He asserted that all the circumstances showed there could not have been premeditation. Mr Martin, for the prosecution, made a oapH»i which Sarah Flanagan burst into hysterical shrieking. She sobbed hysterically during Judge Denniston’s summing up After an hour’s retirement, the (jury found both prisoners guilty, recommending Mrs Flanagan to mercy oil account of her advanced age. When they were sentenced to death there was a terrible scene, Mrs Flanagan appeared not to realise her position, and asked the female warder standing by it it was true, Her daughter uttered piercing shrieks, protesting her innocence. A petition now on foot has been instituted in favor of a reprieve being granted to the prisoners.