ACQUITTED OF MURDER OF GIRL WIFE

Manslaughter Verdict Against Soldier

     Victor Lindsay Dowling, 19, at Station st, North Carlton, was found not guilty by a jury in the Criminal Court yesterday on a charge of having murdered his 15-year-old wife, Jean Lillian Dowling, but guilty of manslaughter, with a strong recommendation to mercy. Accused was remanded for sentence by Mr Justice Macfarlan.

     Mrs Dowling was living with her mother, Mrs Toner, in Canning st, North Carlton, at the time of her death.

     Giving evidence on oath, accused said he had attempted to heal the breach caused by differences between his wife and himself over her allotment. He had left the house on Mrs Toner's instructions. When he found he was to go to Queensland he went to see his wife, and took his rifle with him, thinking he would frighten his wife by threatening to kill himself. He had a few words with his wife's mother over the allotment, and had asked her why she could not keep her nose out of his business. He told his wife he had a friend outside whom he would like her to meet.

     She said she would. He went outside and came back with the rifle and said, "I am going to shoot myself." His wife grabbed the rifle, and there was an explosion and his wife fell to the ground. He then tried to shoot himself. He did not know how many shots he fired, but kept on firing until he fell.

     Accused said he did not point the rifle at his wife, nor did he threaten to shoot her. He suffered wounds on the side, chest, and hip, and was in hospital for eight weeks.

     Mr M. L. Cussen prosecuted, and Mr J. M. Cullity (instructed by Mr R. H. Dunn) appeared for accused.