Murder Charge (Press, 25 August 1954)

On 25 August 1954, the trial of Pauline Yvonne Parker, 16, and Juliet Marion Hulme, 15, continued as they faced charges for the murder of Honora Mary Parker, Pauline’s mother, which occurred on June 22, 1954, in Christchurch. The defence introduced an insanity plea, claiming the girls were mentally ill rather than "dirty-minded little girls," as described by the prosecution. Defence attorney Mr. T. A. Gresson asserted their homosexuality was a symptom of their mental illness. The trial, presided over by Mr. Justice Adams, heard from multiple witnesses including Mrs Hilda Marion Hulme, Juliet’s mother. She provided insight into the girls' friendship, noting that Juliet displayed critical traits and mood swings, and appeared more withdrawn following the family’s return from overseas in August. Evidence presented by the prosecution described the details surrounding the murder, including the method used—a half brick wrapped in a stocking. Witness accounts recounted the events leading to the fatality, including attempts to portray the incident as an accident. Both girls initially claimed that Honora had fallen and suffered grave injuries as a result. Parker later confessed to the police about her intentions to kill her mother, stating it was premeditated but that she had hoped to frighten her mother into acquiescence regarding their relationship. Juliet's subsequent statements corroborated Pauline's account, though they both later claimed they were under duress and mentally disturbed during the events. During the trial, psychiatrist Dr. Reginald Medlicott provided expert testimony, suggesting that the girls were suffering from a mental disorder classified as "folie à deux," a shared psychosis between two individuals. He described their behaviours during interviews as erratic and their mental states as unstable, marked by a significant detachment from reality. The doctor noted their obsession with violence and dramatic themes in their writings, which raised concerns about their mental health. Testimonies from various other witnesses highlighted the nature of the girls’ friendship, their shared writings filled with violent narratives, and their tumultuous relationships with their families. The jury now faced the significant challenge of evaluating the sanity of Parker and Hulme against their admissions of guilt and the intricate details of the case, which combined elements of mental illness, adolescence, and the tragic outcomes of their close relationship. The decision about their culpability would ultimately hinge on the interpretation of their mental states at the time of the murder.

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