Evening star., 1939-06-06
Steel Worker Is Held
For Firing Shotgun
Near Duchess Car
Motive Puzzles Police;
Marina, Uninjured,
Sees Movie
(Picture on Page A-5.)
BY the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
LONDON, June 6.-Police held
Ledwedge Vincent Lawlor, a As
year -old steel worker, for further
investigation today for firing a shot
gun near the automobile of the
Duchess of Kent.
Lawlor was said by police to have
sought to excuse his action by pro-
ducing gun permit. He was given
quick hearing before a magistrate
and bound over for a week
His story gave no hint as to
whether he deliberately aimed his
weapon at the car of the Duchess.
near her fashionable townhouse
last night. Its brevity indicated au-
thorities were at loss to ascribe
any motive for his act.
Lawlor, who gave an address in
lower middle-c London residen-
tial section, was formally charged
in broad legal language with illegal
possession of a firearm with intent
to endanger life or property"
Duchess Unharmed.
The Duchess was unharnled and
no damage was done to her car.
The incident occurred last night as
she was entering the automobile on
her way to movie.
In Police Court, chief testimony
was given by police officer who was
on duty at an intersection near the
Belgrave Square residence of the
tall. chic duchess.
The policeman, Robert Tice. re-
lated that Lawlor, collared on his
bicycle. readily surrendered a foot
long shotgun and protested:
Il did not hit any one, did I?
1t is quite in order. I have GER
ti1cate"
Even on his way to the police
station, where he was questioned
throughout the night by Scotland
Yard investigators, Lawlor was
quoted as saying Il am entitled to
this''-referring to the brightly
polished weapon.
At the police station Lawlor drew
his gun permit from his pocket.
Officer Tice testified that the
breach of the gun was opened and
an empty shell found inside.
Goes on to Movie.
Almost simultaneously with the
firing of the shot a window pane
was broken in the home of the
Princess Royal. Countess of Hare
wood, only sister of King George
vi, and Scotland Yard sought to
determine if the two incidents were
part of a terrorism campaign.
Deepest mystery surrounded the
shooting and the motive behind it.
The only authorized statement of
Scotland Yard said:
"As her royal highness was leav-
ing her residence, Belgrave Square
at 9 pm, it was alleged that shot
was fired in the direction of her
car. Later man accompanied po-
lice to the Gerald road police sta
ton
The Duchess. sister, -in-law of
King George VI, went on to the
thester despite the shooting. With
her was Lady Portarlington. They
saw "Wuthering Heights" The
Duchess, the former Princess Ma
rina of Greece. is 80 years old and
known for her beauty and chic.
Earl Calls Police.
The duchess was not aware of
exactly what happened until her
return from the movie last night.
The Duke of Kent, youngest brother
OF the King. had left the house a
short time before his wife to keep
a speaking engagement and he also
was advised upon his return to Bel
grave Square.
Their two children, Prince Edward
and Princess Alexandra, are staying
in Buckinghamshire.
The Earl of Harewood, husband
of the Princess Royal, himself called
Scotland Yard about the window in
their Green street home. There was
tiny hole in the pane, and glass
around the hole was splintered. A
missile had penetrated the window
shade.
The police found no immediate
connection between the two Incl
dents. They had under considera-
ton, however, the possibility that
sympathizers with the outlawed
Irish Republican Army were re-
sponsible.
n A