Stiletto Story in Stadium Death

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 37, 13 February 1937, Page 16 (Supplement)

Stiletto Story in Stadium Death

MEN WHO RESCUED A WARDER Found guilty at the Old Bailey ot the manslaughter of Massinnno MonteColombo at Wandsworth Greyhound Stadium, Bert Marsh (35), of Cavendish Mansions, Clerkemveil, was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment, and Herbert Wilkins (23), of Sekfordo street, Clerkemveil, to nine months. Both men, while on remand in Brixton Prison, saved a warder when ho was attacked by a powerful man. The incident was considered by Mr Justice Maenaughten in determining their sentence. He said: * ‘For both of you i intend to take into consideration that you came forward to save a warder from w'hat might have beeu his death. “That was a service for which you will gain reduction of the sentence. U us impossible for me to overlook the facts, however. “The jury have rejected as untrqe the evidence you gave. I agree with their verdict. i have no doubt that this man met with bis death because each of you used Knives." Ho added that ho would consider that Marsh had for some years shown an amendment of his ways and that Wilkins was young. Marsh turned to the judge and said

calmly, “Thank you very much, my Lord.’' Wilkins also tried to thank the judge, but could not oe heard above a whisper. Originally the two men were accused of murdering Monte-Colombo and with attempting to murder his brother Camillo. The charges arose out of the ‘‘dogtrack light" on September 1. Marsh said that Massimino struck him on the head and Camillo Kicked him. He did not strike either of thorn, and he had no weapon. Wilkins said he saw Camillo MonteColombo come from behind ana punch Marsh. Marsh fell, and Massimino hit him on the head with a life preserver. Marsh tried to get up, and as be did so Camillo kicked him. Wilkins said he went to save Marsh, who was his friend. Massimino struck him (Wilkins) on the head with a life preserver. He fell and Camillo struck out with a stool. “I tried to protect myself,*' said Wilkins. “I saw a stiletto on the ground. I picked it up and struck out with it I did not mean to injure anybody."