Inspr. MacDermott explained to the Court that he had had nothing to do with the case prior to June 28, but that he had received instructions from Mr. Aiers, Director of Criminal Invest the gaol. In reply to another specific question from counsel, witness characterized, the charge as, "Absurd, I did not go near the cells on that day.'
He was never alone in the office. The Chinese was present at all times, and Mr. Sims and the head gaoler came through at times and two Sikh warders were at the dor.
Cross-examined by Mr. M: witness explained that he believed that complainant's name was not. fon the list, because all persons arrested at' 5A Yates Road, were not charged at the same time. The list which he brought to Ward Road Gaol, was a copy from the charge room at Bubbling~ Well station. Counsel said that complainant could have made out a much graver charge, to which Inspr. MacDermott replied emphatically. "He could hi Mr. Richard Sims, Acting Superintendent of gaols, who has been at the Ward Road Gaol for more than 24 years, told the Court, at Mr. Wright's request, that no person allowed to visit the cells without first having received his (Mx. Sims) permission, Defendant had not done this on that day, but he had assign. ed the usual office, reserved for this purpose, to Inspr. MacDermott. He went through the office twice while the interrogation was taking place.
The complainant, Yang Lee-ching, never reported that he had been maltreated. Prisoners might complain during the morning inspection, and, failing this, they could register tis faction with himself, his deuty, or with members of the senior staff. Prisoners were informed, upon being admitted that they could complain, and were notified of this regulation once a week afterwards.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.