Illustrated Police News - Saturday 30 October 1880
DESPERATE FIGHT WITH A ROBBER.
Intelligence of a desperate fight with a policeman and a robber reached Chester on Friday morning, It appeared at daybreak on Thursday, Police‐constable Dillon, of the Cheshire Constabulary, stationed at Bebbington, came upon a well‐known poacher named Thomas Smith in the act of robbing the hen‐roost of Mr. Hope, of Bebbington.
When he attempted to arrest him, Smith, who is a powerful young fellow, struggled violently, and at length drew his knife and attempted to stab the officer, who found himself no match for the fellow as far as muscular strength went.
Dillon then drew a revolver from his pocket and fired point‐blank at the robber, and shot him in the right breast. He fell, was at once secured and taken to Clatterbridge workhouse, where he was visited by Dr. Blunden, of Neston, who ascertained that the ball had lodged in the right lung, and Smith, therefore lies in a precarious condition.
Dillon has no doubt that if he had not used his revolver he would have been murdered, as Smith was known to him as a violent and brutal fellow.
Another correspondent telegraphs‐About one o'clock on Thursday morning Police Constable Dillon, of the Cheshire Constabulary, caught a man in the fowl house of Beddington Rectory, near Birkenhead, and took him into custody. On the way to Birkenhead the man suddenly turned on him, wrenched his staff out of his hand, and felled him to the ground. The prisoner then tried to gouge his eyes out and tear his mouth, till, after a long struggle, Dillon, finding himself exhausted, drew a revolver which he carried and fired. The bullet entered the prisoner's right breast, and he fell back. Dillon then went for assistance, and on returning found that the man had gone away, but discovered him a short time after wards kneeling at the door of a farm‐house near the village.
Prisoner was then taken in a cart to the workhouse hospital, where he now remains. The bullet has not yet been extracted, but Dr. Main, who is attending him, is of the opinion that the man will recover. His name is Thomas Smith, alias Cusk; he has bean twenty‐two times convicted, and has 'served five years' penal servitude.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 20 August 1881
WIFE MURDER IN CHESHIRE.
COMMITTAL OF THE PRISONER
On Monday morning, at the Sale Petty Sessions, James Edwards, greengrocer, of Cross street, Ashton‐on‐Mersey, was charged with having wilfully murdered his wife, Frances Edwards, on Saturday afternoon
The case for the prosecution was conducted by Inspector Leighton; Mr. Homer, of the firm of Homer and Sons, Manchester, appeared for the prisoner, who seemed exceedingly dejected and had a very haggard appearance.
Sarah Moores, wife of George Moores, joiner, Cross‐street, stated that she lived next door to the prisoner, and bad known him and his wife for three or four years. They had two sons, one 19 and the other 16 years of age. There was also a baby living with them. About three o'clock on Saturday afternoon witness saw two men go to the prisoner's house and try to get into the yard. Mrs. Edwards stood on a ladder and endeavoured to prevent them getting over the door. Witness told the men to go away, and then they informed her that the prisoner had promised to give them something if they would break into the house. During the time the men were trying to get in the prisoner was walking up and down a passage close by, and when they went away he said, " I'll fetch some one else; I'll see if I cannot get some one to get in here." The prisoner also tried to get into the house; but his wife and one of his sons prevented him from doing so, because be bad stripped the house of nearly all the furniture on the previous Wednesday. A policeman came a short time afterwards and told Mrs. Edwards to open the door and let her husband in; she thereupon did so. Some time afterwards witness beard the door of the prisoner's house shake violently. Mrs. Edwards opened it immediately after and rushed out, and after screaming twice she fell into witness's arms. At that time blood was pouring out of a wound on the left side of her neck. Witness, with assistance, carried her to a doorstep, and held her there about 20 minutes until Dr. Henshaw came. The deceased was then carried into witness's house, where after breathing once or twice she died. Mrs. Edwards did not speak after she fell into her (Mrs. Moore's) arms, nor did she open her eyes. She moaned and moved slightly just before the doctor came. The prisoner and his wife had lived very unhappily together for a long time, and during the past two years had quarrelled very frequently. Witness had never seen the prisoner in drink, nor did he appear to be under the influence of drink on Saturday afternoon. James Henry Edwards, clerk, 18 years of age, stated that about half an hour after he got home on Saturday afternoon his father came, but his mother refused to open the door for him. In about an hour the prisoner came again, and brought some men with him to break into the house. His mother threw some water upon them, and they went away. After the policeman came his father obtained admission to the house. Some " bother " soon arose between the prisoner and his wife about some bank‐books, and prisoner asked the deceased how much she would take for them. The deceased made no answer; he (witness!, however, told his father she was to have all the money. Prisoner subsequently said, "Well, let us have a cup of tea together ; let us part friendly." The deceased replied that he should have a cup of tea if he would pay for it, for be had stripped the house of nearly everything. Afterwards, while witness was upstairs, he heard a scream from his mother, and on going down he saw her go out of the house, and observed that his father bad an open knife in his hand. He at once seized his father and took the knife from him As he was doing so his father asked witness to kill him. Being apprehensive that the men who had been trying to gain admission to the house would come again and take all they could lay hold of, the deceased and witness had set to work to remove two boxes, containing their clothes, upstairs, and it was while witness was moving one of these boxes along the bedroom floor that his mother was stabbed, she being at the time alone with the prisoner down stairs. Witness's father had often told him he believed the deceased intended to go away with some other man. Three or four years ago his father met with an accident, for which he obtained a considerable sum of money as compensation. He was severely injured by the shaft of a cart running into him. The whole of the trouble which had taken place between him and the deceased bad arisen since that money was received. By Mr. Homer: I have noticed a change in my father since the accident. If it had not been for me I believe be would have killed himself after he had stabbed my mother. There was no reason for him to suspect that my mother was about to go away I know from what my mother told me that about a year ago she took advice with a view to have my father placed in an asylum.
John Duckworth, bootmaker, paid that on Saturday, between three and half‐past, he went to the back door of the prisoner's house, and there saw Mrs. Edwards on a ladder. She told him, in reply to a question, that the prisoner had brought some men to break into the house. He told one of the men they would get locked up if they did not go away. Edwards, who was walking up and down near the house, asked him what the men would get locked up for, and he replied for creating a disturbance. Edwards said he knew what he was doing, that he was master there, and told witness to mind his own business. In consequence of something which his wife told him witness afterwards went into the prisoner's house. and there received a knife covered with blood from James Henry Edwards. The prisoner said, "It is done; that will do." Witness told him to come along, and, seizing hold of him, took him into the street, and gave him into the custody of the police.
Police Constable Moors, after giving evidence showing that Mrs. Edwards opened the door when he went in company with the prisoner, said that the deceased asked him to go into the house, but he said he could do no good in a dispute as to furniture, and went away into Cross‐street. While there the prisoner was given into his custody by Duckworth. On the way to the police station the prisoner said that "he had done it, and would have liked to do himself at the same time." He added that "he did not care if he had to hang for it."
Police Constable Perry stated that after he was taken into custody the prisoner said he bad stabbed his wife and he wished he had done it before.
Police Sergeant Woolley deposed that Edwards, after he had been locked up, called him to his cell, and said, "This is a very bad job. The people have said that I am mad but I will show them different, and I have done so."
Inspector Leighton stated that the prisoner, having been informed that his wife was dead, said, "I am sorry. I wish she could have made a statement. "
Dr. Renshaw deposed to seeing the deceased a few minutes after four o'clock. She was apparently dead, for there was no pulsation. He had since made a post‐mortem examination, during which he found nine wounds — five serious and four slight. There was one on the neck, an inch and a half below the left ear. This cut was an inch and a half in extent and two inches deep. It cut through the external jugular vein and the carotid artery into the throat. There was a wound behind the shoulder two inches in depth, another wound outside the armpit four inches in length, another of three inches below the centre of the arm‐pit, which passed into the chest between the third and fourth rib, and penetrated the lung. There was also a wound on the inside of the left arm. Death was caused by the wound in the neck, which, like the other wounds, could have been produced by a knife. — By Mr. Homer: Witness had attended the prisoner at intervals since the spring of 1878. Edwards seemed to be under the impression that since he met with the accident which bad been referred to by his son he was destitute of ribs. On one occasion, when witness asked him why he did not work, he said he could not work without ribs. The prisoner had several times met him in the road, and requested to be allowed to strip there and then in order that he might be examined. In June, 1879, witness advised Mrs. Edwards to put her husband into an asylum. Prisoner was in terribly low spirits at the time, and witness thought it was possible he might commit suicide. When he advised Mrs. Edwards to put him into an asylum she said she would wait a bit and see how he went on. Witness attended Mrs. Edwards in her confinement in June, 1880. She then told him she was very miserable, for her husband had told her that the child was not his. At the request of the deceased he spoke to the prisoner on the matter, but the prisoner maintained that his statement was true. Witness after‐wards advised Mrs. Edwards to put the prisoner in an asylum. She said she would "bide a bit, and see how he went on." He told her he thought she was very foolish, as placing the prisoner in an asylum was the best means of securing his recovery. Mr. Homer having intimated that the defence would be reserved, the prisoner was committed to the next Chester assizes on the capital charge.
THE INQUEST. An inquest on the body of Mrs. Edwards was held in the Sale Institute before Mr. H. C. Yates, coroner. The evidence taken was substantially the same as that given before the magistrates. After detailing the results of the post‐mortem examination made by him, Dr. Renshaw stated, in reply to a juryman, that if he had been on the ground at the time the deceased sustained her injuries it was just possible that be might have been able to save her life. In answer to questions put by Mr. Homer, who appeared on behalf of Edwards, Dr. Renshaw stated that the last time he attended Edwards was about fourteen months ago. He was of opinion that Edwards was in an unsound state of mind at that time.
James Henry Edwards, son of the deceased, said that during the brief conversation which took place in the house between the deceased and his father, the deceased spoke in a very quiet way, and seemed very low‐spirited. After his mother had helped him part way up the stairs with one of the boxes containing clothing, she went down with a view apparently to make sure that the prisoner was not opening the door in order to admit the men who had previously been trying, at his instigation, to gain admission. Witness did not believe there was any reason for the prisoner believing that his mother intended to go away with another man. She had told him that if he did not behave himself better she would leave him. About 16 months ago she did leave him, and resided for a short time with some of his friends. He then promised that he would behave better towards her if she would return home, and she did so. His improved behaviour, however, only continued for about a month.
lnspector Leighton stated that he had ascertained that the knife with which the wounds were inflicted and which caused the death of Mrs. Edwards was bought by the prisoner on Saturday last‐the day on which the murder was committed. The Jury returned a verdict of wilful murder against Edwards, who was then committed for trial to the Chester Assizes.
Cheshire Observer ‐Saturday 12 March 1881
Changes and Promotions in the Cheshire Constabulary. —
The following promotions and transfers have either taken effect or will do so in the course of a few days in connection with the Cheshire Constabulary :—
Chief Superintendent W. Egerton, of the Wirral division, will receive a salary of £200 per annum ; and
Inspector Dutton, formerly of Crewe, and now in the Wirral district, a salary of £100.
Sub‐Inspector Large, formerly stationed at Tarporley, will be transferred to Wilmslow.
Second‐class Sergeant J. Gondie has been made sergeant, and will be stationed at Disley, where an additional section for that district will at once be formed. Constable Curry, of the reserve division (Chester) has been promoted as a first‐class constable in recognition of meritorious conduct on his part. After being on duty all night Curry was suddenly called upon to take charge of a man who was reported to be destitute and dying. The constable responded to the summons, and was conveying the man to the workhouse, when he died. An inquest was held on the body, and the Coroner gave Curry great praise for his prompt and humane conduct.
Second‐class Sergeant John Rowe has been promoted to a sergeant, and wil be stationed at Northwich.
Sergeant J. Okell will be transferred to Tarporley, and Sergeant Cooper to another division.
Constable Curry, of the reserve division (Chester) has been promoted as a first‐class constable in recognition of meritorious conduct on his part. After being on duty all night Curry was suddenly called upon to take charge of a man who was reported to be destitute and dying. The constable responded to the summons, and was conveying the man to the workhouse, when he died. An inquest was held on the body, and the Coroner gave Curry great praise for his prompt and humane conduct.
There are also several other changes of Constables, and re‐arrangement of divisions, consequent upon the recent augmentation of the Constabulary.
Cheshire Observer ‐Saturday 28 January 1899
Cheshire Police Promotions. —In consequence of the pensioning of several police officers of the Cheshire Constabulary, Detective Inspector Pearson, Chester headquarters, has been promoted Superintendent at Runcorn.
Inspector Neild, Crewe, promoted Superintendent at Eddisbury;
Superintendent McDonald to North Wirral;
Superintendent O'Kell to Altrincham.
Sergeant Hoole is promoted Superintendent at Headquarters, vice Pearson;
Inspector Crogham, New Ferry, removes to Crewe, vice Neild;
Inspector Sherwin, Cheadle, to Northwich, vice Dodd;
Sergeant Wilson, Neston, is promoted to inspector at New Ferry vice Croghan;
Sergeant Skitt is promoted to inspector at Cheadle.

Cheshire Observer
Saturday 7 May 1881
NANTWIOH.
The Election Disturbances.
A number of charges, arising out of the recent riotous proceedings at Nantwich on the occasion of the West Cheshire election, were heard at the Nantwich monthly sessions on Monday.
The first case gone into was one against Henry and Joseph Tew, who were summoned for having broken windows to the value of three guinea", the property of Mr. Jubb, of the George and Dragon Inn. The evidence was very conflicting. Joseph was discharged, and Henry was fined £5 ss. damage and costs, or a month. —
James Lynch, hawker, charged with assaulting Sergeant Cooper while in the execution of his duty, and with assaulting Constable Ashford, was sent to prison for three months.
— Joseph Lloyd, hawker, Edward Parton, draper's apprentice, and William Howard, aged 15, were summoned for assaulting Police‐constable Sweeney on the night of the election. Howard inflicted a severe wound on the constable's head with a stone, and the other defendants tried to trip him and kicked and struck him. Parton and Lloyd were each fined £5 and costs, or one month, and Howard £1 and costs, or the same alternative. — Thomas Carroll, hawker, was fined £2 and costs for assaulting Constable Hesketh. — Thomas Taylor, shoe‐maker, described as a ringleader, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment.—
The Chairman (Mr. W. Tollemache) congratulated the police on the forbearance they had shown.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 25 February 1882
THE CHARGE OF MURDERING A CHILD AT CHESTER.
CORONER'S INQUEST.
An inquest was held by Mr. J. Tatlock, the city coroner, on Monday afternoon at the Newgate Tavern, upon the body of Hannah Millett, a child fifteen weeks old which was found in the River Dee on the previous day. The painful circumstances under which the body came to be in the river are already familiar to the public
The jury having viewed the body, which was lying at Ainsworth's boat‐house, the first witness called was Mrs. Mary Atkin Farley, wife of Thomas Farley, 3, Church‐street, who stated that she knew the deceased, who had lived next door to her; the name was Hannah Millett, and she was the daughter of Jonathan and Mary Ellen Millett. The deceased was fifteen weeks old. Last saw the deceased alive on the 3rd of January when its mother brought it into witness's house. Suckled the child to pacify it as she had been accustomed to do in consequence of the inability of the mother to do it. Mrs. Millett on that occasion told witness that if somebody did not suckle it, it would die; she appeared not to take much notice of the child, and kept it dirty, so witness frequently washed and dressed it. It was sometime between three and four o'clock in the afternoon when witness last saw the child. Mrs. Millett frequently spoke about poisoning or drowning the child, but on that day she said something about putting it under the train; witness did not think she spoke like a woman in her right mind. Mrs. Millett had asked both witness and her husband what they would do to her if she poisoned the child, and whether they would open the body. On the last occasion Mrs. Millett stayed with witness about an hour, and then went home taking the baby with her, which witness did not see alive again. The body shown to the jury was that of Hannah Millett, witness identified it by marks on its body and by its clothes. By the Jury: The woman's husband knew of what she had been saying. They had lived as neighbours for two years and nine months, and witness did not consider that she was in her right mind during that time. Mrs. Millett was fond of children, but seemed to take a dislike to the deceased, saying she, ' Didn't want it." There was one other child living and two had died. Witness thought the death of these two children preyed upon the woman's mind.
Joseph Foden, 4, Walker‐street, Bishopsfield, a letter carrier, said on the 4th January, about half‐past four o'clock in the afternoon, he was in the Groves, near the river, delivering letters, when he saw Mrs. Millett standing against the river wall behind the park with a child in her arms. Did not notice how the child was dressed, neither could he identify the body of the deceased as that of the child Mrs. Millett had in her arms. After witness had got about fifty yards away be heard her call out, "I have thrown my child into the river; come here quick! " Witness ran for a boat, seeing the woman had no child in her arms. Mr. Pringle and one of the boatmen rowed round to the spot, but witness had to go on with his letter delivery. Would not swear that the words used were that she had "thrown " the child into the river, as he was too far away to be certain. By the Jury: The woman seemed very excited when she called out, and held up her right hand as if to beckon witness. He thought she was crying.
George Clarke, 6, Trinity‐court, Trinity‐street, labourer, said as he was going home to tea on Wednesday 4th January last, he saw Mrs. Millett on Seller‐street Bridge. She said to Mr. Edge, butcher, Egerton‐street, to whom witness was talking, "Go down to the coal‐yard and tell my husband I have thrown the child into the river." He said, "Oh, nonsense, woman," and she said, " Yes, I have; if you won't go let me." She then ran down Egerton‐street in the direction of the coal‐yard. Mrs. Millett had a little shawl or something in her band, which she waved about as she ran away. The woman looked very wild, and witness remarked to his friend that she was either drunk or mad.
P.C. John Hill, 12, Wellington ‐street, said he arrested Mrs. Millett on the 4th January last, and charged her with murdering her child by throwing it into the river Dee; and she replied, "It fell in; I told the postman to take it and he wouldn't." Witness then took her to the station. She appeared to be in a very excited state. It was in Morris's coal‐office, Black Diamond‐street, and in the presence of her husband that the woman was arrested. Witness remained in the cell with Mrs. Millett until ten o'clock at night in the presence of another woman. Mrs Millett made several rambling statements. She said that a week previous to that she went down to the railway station with the deceased, with a view of putting it under one of the passing trains, but an "angel” came to her dressed in white and told her not to do so." She said also that she saw two mourning coaches coming for the child long before it was born. Witness's impression was that she was utterly insane.
PC. Beatty, 3, Hunters‐walk, said that about two o'clock on Sunday afternoon (19th instant), he was at the bottom of Dee‐lane, Boughton, on duty, and saw an object floating in the river some distance off; he stopped for a time, and when it came opposite to him witness saw it was the body of the deceased ; the toes of her boots and her knees were above water. Witness got a boat and took the body out of the water, and carried it to Ainsworth's boat‐house.
The Coroner having summed up the evidence, and directed the jury that it was not their province to inquire into the state of the woman's mind — although she was now in a lunatic asylum — the jury retired, and in a few minutes returned with a verdict of " Wilful murder " against Mary Ellen Millet, they being of the opinion that the child was thrown into the water.
Cheshire Observer -Saturday 16 September 1882
CREWE.
A Constable Threatening to Shoot his Superintendent.
At Crewe, on Thursday, Stephen Coughlin, a Cheshire policeman, was charged with having been drunk and disorderly, and further with threatening Superintendent Leah. That officer stated that on the previous evening he saw the prisoner in Victoria‐street very drunk. He and several others took him to the police station. On the way prisoner tried to strike and to kick them Prisoner said to witness, "You are a marked man from this night. You are marked to be shot." He repeated the threat several times. Prisoner now denied that he was drunk, and said that he got a little "over‐excited." The bench ordered him to pay 22s., including the costs, and bound him over besides.
Cheshire Observer -Saturday 23 September 1882
COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS. Saturday. — Before H. Trelawny, Esq. (in the chair), J. Grace, Esq., and Col. Garratt.
An Old Poacher Properly Punished.—
Josiah Rhodes, the man who was acquitted a few weeks ago on a charge of poaching, was again charged with a similar offence at Great Saughall, on the 15th instant. — P.S. Pettingale stated that between 3 30 and 4 o'clock on the previous morning he was on duty on the Parkgate‐road, Great Saughall, near Coal Pit lane. He heard footsteps close to him, and following the sound, he overtook three men near the Wheat Sheaf Inn. When they saw him they said, "It is the *******." Then a lot of stones were thrown, one of which struck him in the breast. Witness at once took off his cape and, holding it up as a shield, rushed at the men and seized the prisoner. On searching him he found in his pocket the nets (produced), and in a bag over his back there were six rabbits. The other men got away. — By the Bench: All three men threw stones at him. — The prisoner, who made along, rambling statement, denied throwing stones, but admitted having the rabbits in his possession. — The magistrates, having retired to consider their decision, told the prisoner he had several times been punished by fines and imprisonment for similar offences. He would now be fined £5 and 8s. 6d. costs for the dastardly act of throwing stones at the police‐officer — an act, which the chairman said, none but a coward would be guilty of — and £5 and 10s. 6d. costs for the poaching, or in default two months' imprisonment for each offence — that was to say, four months in all.
Cheshire Observer -Saturday 16 September 1882
COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS. Saturday.— Before the Rev, R. Richardson (in the chair), H. D. Trelawny, and J. Grace, Esqrs., Colonel Garrett, and the Rev. E. A. P. Campbell.
An Inebriate. — Richard Hughes was summoned for being drunk and disorderly on the 27th August, at Great Saughall. Defendant admitted the offence, which was proved by
P.S. Pettingale, and he was fined 10s. and costs.
A Bicyclist Fined. — Robert Lewis, for riding a bicycle on the footpath at Claverton, on the 26th Aug., was fined 10s., including costs. P.C. Wilson proved the case.
Netting Partridges.— Joseph Griffiths, William Sutton, and William Aldersey were summoned for having illegally in their possession nine partridges and a net used for the purpose of taking game, at Caughall, on the 6th September. — Griffiths and Aldersey did not appear, and warrants were issued for their apprehension. — P.S. Pettingale, stationed at Great Saughall, stated that about half‐past four o'clock on Wednesday morning, the 6th inst., he was on duty in company with three constables near a bridge that crosses the canal at Caughall. They heard the footsteps of men approaching, and hid themselves. It proved to be the present defendant, who had the bag and partridges produced over his shoulder, and the two absent defendants. Witness seized Sutton, and the other constable’s caught Griffiths and Aldersey. Griffiths had under his arm the net produced, which was 32 yards long and 3 ½ feet deep. — Sutton admitted the offence, and, assuring the Bench it was the first time he had done anything of the kind, begged them to deal with him as leniently as possible. — The Magistrates having retired, fined the defendant £3 and 10s. 6d. costs.
Cheshire Observer
Saturday 24 February 1883
BROXTON. Police Court, Monday.— Before J. H. Leche, Esq.
Assaulting a Police Constable:
Walter Wynne, a prizefighter and a native of Threapwood, who has been residing in Whitchuroh for some time back, was brought up under a warrant charged by Police Constable Smith, of Handley, with assaulting him at Chowley, while in the execution of his duty. Mr Leche committed the defendant to Chester Castle for one month with hard labour.
Cheshire Observer -Saturday 17 March 1883
ATTEMPTING TO MURDER A CHILD IN CHESTER.
FIENDISH CONDUCT OF A MOTHER.
At the Chester City Police Court, on Monday, before F. Bullin, Esq. (chairman), W. Parish, Esq., W Johnson, Esq, and R. Frost, Esq, a young woman named Elisabeth Roberts, of Seaville‐street, Boughton was brought up in custody charged with causing grievous bodily harm to and attempting to feloniously kill and murder her infant, named Mary Ann Roberts, by throwing it on the fire on Sunday, the 4th instant. The Court was crowded during the hearing of the case, and the greatest interest was manifested. The prisoner, a repulsive looking woman, was undefended.
The first witness called was Elizabeth Antrobus, a married woman, who said she lived at No. 5, Seaville‐place, Boughton, and was joint tenant of the house with the prisoner. On Sunday, the 4th inst., prisoner came home about three o'clock in the afternoon. Another woman named Harriet Plevin was also in the house. Prisoner had been out all the morning. She had a little child named Mary Ann Roberts, about 14 months old, which had been left in the house with witness. When she returned, witness and the woman Plevin were getting their dinner, and the child was sitting on a stool by the side of the fire. Prisoner was seen to be the worse for drink. The first thing she did when she came in was to go across the house to the child. She took it up and said "You little thing, I will shake your liver and lites out." She held the child by the front of its clothing, and then threw it on the top of the fire. It was a small fire‐place, by the side of which was an oven in which witness had been cooking dinner. The oven was red hot, but the fire had just been made up with fresh coals, and was not blazing at the time. Witness at once dragged the child from the fire and said to the prisoner, "Don't be so cruel to the poor baby." Prisoner seized the child from witness and said, "Come here you little bastard; I'll finish you out and out." She shook the child two or three times, and then began to curse and swear, and afterwards again threw it on the fire, adding, "I may as well finish you now as at any other time; and I will burn you to death, you little "Git." Witness struggled with her, and again tried to take the child off the fire, whilst prisoner did all she could to prevent her from doing so. The child was almost in fits with crying. Witness succeeded in getting it off the second time, and just then a neighbour named Brayford came in to look at her dinner, which was cooking in witness's oven. Whilst witness was dragging the child off the fire the second time prisoner got hold of a kettle of boiling water which was on the hob and tried to throw some over the child. Some of the boiling water went over the child and some over witness's arm. The child's clothes did not take fire, being made of woollen cloth, but they were scorched. Witness here showed her arm, and appeared to be suffering acutely from the scalding water.
Prisoner, on being asked if she had any questions to ask, replied what witness had said was all right, but she had to thank no one but her for being there.
Mr Henry Wm. King, house surgeon at the Chester Infirmary, said about a quarter to four o'clock on Sunday afternoon, the 4th of March, a little child named Sarah Ann Roberts was brought to the Infirmary. The child would be about a year old. She was suffering from scalds on the back, and also on the right thigh and right arm. The scalds extended from a little above the middle of the back downwards, and at the back and outside of the right thigh, and also from the middle of the right arm downwards almost to the wrist. The child was still under his care, but he believed it was out of danger, although its life had been in danger from the time of the occurrence till the present, owing to the severity of the injuries. There were no burns, and he could not see that the clothes of the child had been scorched; but its clothing was wet. The scalding water had raised blisters the whole extent.
Harriet Plevin said she was staying at the prisoner's house, and was there on Sunday, the 4th of March. She was at dinner with the witness Antrobus when the prisoner came in on the afternoon in question. Antrobus asked the prisoner to sit down and have her dinner. Witness at once observed that prisoner had been drinking. The child was sitting on a stool by the side of the fire. Antrobus took the child on her knee. The little one wanted the breast, which the prisoner would not give it. She said she did not intend to give it any more, and might as well start to wean it that day as any other. The child then began to cry, and it was placed on a stool. As it continued to cry prisoner exclaimed "You little bastard," and tried to get at the child. Antrobus interfered, and said the child should not be hurt, and prisoner replied that she would do as she liked, as the child was her own. Suiting the action to the word she seized the child by the legs and by the clothing, and said she might as well finish it then as at any other time. She made a dash, and threw the child on the fire. Antrobus took it off, and handed it to witness. Witness saw that the child's elbow was burned, and called prisoner's attention to it. She also tried to bandage it up. Prisoner replied that she would do as she liked with her own child, and whilst witness was binding up the arm prisoner knocked her over, seized the child once more, called it more foul names, said she might as well finish it then as at any other time, and threw it again on the fire. Antrobus once more took it off, and there was a struggle between her and the prisoner. The kettle of boiling water stood on the hob, and after everything was over witness picked up the kettle from the floor, and the child and all the floor was covered with soot. Witness then went out. She had lived with the prisoner about two months, and whenever prisoner had any drink she "spit her spite" upon the infant. (Sensation.) About a fortnight or three weeks before this occurrence prisoner tried to strangle it, and said she would choke the child. (Sensation.)
Harriet Brayford, who lives at 8, Seaville‐place, four doors from the prisoner, said on Sunday afternoon, the 4th of Marcb, she was at home, and went into the prisoner's house, about a little after three, to see if her meat, which was cooking in prisoner's oven, was done. In the house, besides the prisoner, were two other women, named Antrobus and Plevin. Witness saw Plevin (the last witness) with the baby in her arms, which was covered with soot. She told witness the prisoner had put the child on the fire twice. Witness asked what kind of women they were to allow her to put the child on the fire, and added, "I'll send for a police‐man." Prisoner heard witness say this, and she at once seized a black‐handled table knife and said she would put it up to the haft into her heart if she did so. (Sensation.) Prisoner was coming towards her with the knife in her hand, when witness struck her a blow and knocked her on to a sofa. Witness then looked into the oven after the meat, and whilst she was doing this prisoner once more seized the child and threw it on the fire. Witness snatched the child from the fire and handed it to someone outside the house, and afterwards took it to the Infirmary; and the skin from its body stuck to her hands where it had been scalded. The fire was black, and witness felt sure bad she not been there that the infant would have been burnt to death. Prisoner: Did you ever see me try to strangle the child?. Witness: Well, I heard a row in your house about a fortnight ago, and I went into the house and was told that you had been trying to strangle the child, and I took it home with me on that occasion and kept it there till one o'clock in the morning, so that you should not abuse it or strangle it. (Sensation.)
The witness Antrobus was then recalled, and, in reply to the question, said she had not seen the prisoner abuse the child very much before. She had, however, seen the prisoner flog the child, and remembered Mrs Brayford taking it away one night because the prisoner was ill losing it.
Rhoda Rowlands, a single young woman, residing at 4, Seaville Plaoe, next door to the prisoner, said on Sunday, the 4th of March, she was at home in the afternoon. About three o'clock she heard a noise in the prisoner's house, and looked through the door, which was open, to see what was the matter. Witness saw the baby on the fire, and the kettle was on the floor, and witness saw Mrs Brayford run in and take the child off the fire. She then ran for a policeman.
Sergeant Culliford said on the Sunday in question he was on duty in Boughton. From a complaint which was made P.C Evans and himself went to the court in which the prisoner lived. Prisoner was in the court outside the house, and witness was shown the child, and was told it had been thrown on the fire. He saw it was suffering from wounds of some kind, and the prisoner was accordingly arrested. In going along she said, "Sergeant, God knows I did not do it; me and Mrs Antrobus were quarrelling, and in the scuffle she knocked the kettle over; that's how the child got scalded." Prisoner was very far gone in drink. P.C James Evans, said he was with Sergeant Culliford on the afternoon in question, and assisted in bringing the woman to the police‐office. In the Kaleyards she made the following statement :— " I did not burn my child. I was standing on the left side of the fire, with my arm round the child, when Antrobus knocked the kettle over on me and the child." Witness asked if it was done accidentally, she said "no, on purpose," and showed her hands which appeared to be scalded. On the following Monday witness charged her with attempting to murder her child by throwing it on the fire, when she denied the charge.
P.C. Gallagher said after the prisoner was remanded on the previous Monday, he removed her to the Castle. On the way she said, "They said I tried to strangle the child, a fortnight ago, but it's a lie. But what can I do? I have to keep it myself; nobody gives me anything to keep it with. and I have got to work hard to keep it, and it’s no joke either. It will be a good job if it does die— (sensation) — and I get the rope round my neck for it.
But just let me get out of this mess, and I’ll take good care to get out of Chester quick.
(Sensation.)
This was all the evidence, and the prisoner hid nothing to say in answer to the charge. The Chairman said it was no part of the duty, of the Bench to give expression to the horror with which they had listened to the evidence in the case. Prisoner would be tried before a higher court. The duty of the Bench was simply to commit her to take her trial at the next Assizes. Prisoner was then removed below, amid the hisses of some of the spectators.
Cheshire Observer -Saturday 27 October 1883
COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS. Saturday.— Before Colonel Garrett (in the chair), Rev E. A. P. Campbell, Major Swetenham, and A. Potts, Esq. –
Contravention of Orders.—
James Steel pleaded guilty to moving a calf at Little Mollington, being an infected area, without a licence authorising him so to do. Police‐Sergeant Pettingale stated the facts, and defendant was fined 10s and costs; 8s 9d, which were paid. —
Geo. Nicholas was summoned for moving a pig at Saughall, being an infected area without a licence, on the 21st Sept. Police Sergt. Pettingale said that on Wednesday, the 19th of last month, he found a sow lying on the road at Little Saughall for which he could find no owner. He put the animal up at the Wheat Sheaf Inn; ‐and on going thereon the following Friday — two days after — he found it bad been removed. From what was told him he went to defendant's father's farm, where he found the sow, which had been moved within an infected area.—Defendant said the pig had strayed, and he simply caused at to be fetched home again.— Pettingale said he told the innkeeper not to allow the pig to be moved without his knowledge. In reply to the Chairman, he said defendant had a licence to move his cattle backwards and forwards, but not pigs. —Defendant was ordered to pay costs, 4s 9d, without a conviction.— Wm. Johnson, father‐in‐law of the above defendant, was summoned for driving the pig in question in the last case‐. It appeared that it was he who actually fetched the animal. A similar order was made as in the previous case.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 23 June 1883
CITY POLICE COURT. Saturday.— Before the Mayor (Sir T. G. Frost), in the chair ; W. Johnson, C. Townshend, C. J. Blelook, and W. Farish, Esqrs.
A Dip in the River and Too Much "Restoratives."
Arthur J. Cooke, a respectably‐dressed man, bailing from Upper Oriel‐street, Dublin, was summoned by P.C. O'Reilly for being drunk in Foregate‐street. The constable said defendant was found so thoroughly intoxicated as to his unable to take care of himself on Sunday afternoon in Foregate‐street. Defendant's clothes were saturated with water, and he was taken to the Police‐office, where his clothing was dried.
Cooke admitted the truth of the constable's story. He had been attending a funeral, and was a stranger to Chester. On Sunday afternoon he went in company with a lady to the Groves, and hired a boat with the intention of going to Eaton Hall. An unlucky hitch occurred at the embarkation. Just as defendant was stepping on board the boat, his foot went on to the gunwale, and he slipped over the side into the water.
Having been rescued from the dangers of the river, he was taken in an exhausted condition to a neighbouring beer‐house, where restoratives in the form of brandy were applied. Defendant maintained that he was sober before the accident, and that it was against his wish that brandy was sent for, because he was not a drunkard; but after swallowing the stimulants he became over‐powered and remembered nothing.
He requested to be dismissed, as he had neither money nor friends here.
The Chief Constable stated the circumstances were on the whole as defendant had recited them, and mentioned that after the mishap the defendant's lady companion suddenly decamped.
TheMagistrates dismissed the oase.
Illustrated Police News -Saturday 17 February 1883
AFFRAY WITH POACHERS IN CHESHIRE.
William Aldersey, Emanuel Hankey, John Johnson, and Thomas Sandbah were charged, at the Chester Assizes, with night poaching, and also with attempting to murder Police Sergeant Gosland, near Bostock Hall, on November 25. Prisoners were discovered poaching by the police, who called in the assistance of Colonel France Hayhurst's keepers and watchers. A desperate struggle ensued, in the course of which Johnson deliberately shot at Gosland and hit a keeper named Niddrie, who stood a few yards behind the sergeant on some rising ground. Johnson having discharged his piece rushed forward and broke it in pieces over Gosland's head.
Constable Hodglkinson was knocked down by the other men and carried off the field insensible, being incapacitated for some time from duty. All the prisoners in custody were identified, and the jury found them guilty of the minor count of wounding with intent, Johnson, against whom there were previous convictions, was sentenced to five years' penal servitude; Aldersey and Hankey to eighteen months, and Sandbach to six months imprisonment with hard labour.
Cheshire Observer -Saturday 3 March 1883
At the Birkenhead County Magistrates' Court, on Monday, Thomas Austin, a tramp, was charged with stealing a piece of bacon from the shop of Mrs. Craven, at Childer Thornton. The prisoner went into the shop on Friday last, and there being no one in immediate attendance he took the bacon and ran away.
Police‐constable Reilly was informed of the robbery, and captured the prisoner four miles away at New Ferry with the bacon in his possession. Prisoner was sent to gaol for three months with hard labour. —
William Thompson and Thomas Riley, tramps, were charged on remand with stealing 8s. 6d. from the shop of Edward Putt, grocer, Little Sutton, on the 19th of February ; and the prisoner Thompson was further charged with stealing 4d from the shop till of Mary Jackson on the 14th inst.
It will be remembered that Police‐constable Reilly procured a horse and chased the two prisoners across the country till they were driven to conceal themselves in the icehouse at Hooton Hall. Most of the money missed by Mr. Putt was then found in their possession. The prisoners were committed for trial at the sessions. Inspector Walker, during the proceedings, expressed a fear that the new Act of Parliament, dealing with tramps and vagrants, would have the effect of multiplying the number of petty larcenies in rural districts. Mr. Lee said that the magistrate would have to put down the evil.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 3 March 1883
THE SMALLWOOD TRAGEDY.
ARREST OF THE ACCUSED. Patrick Carey, alias John White, who has been wanted by the Cheshire police since the 9th of February for the doable murder of Thomas Earlam, a lodging house keeper at Small wood, and his housekeeper, Mary Moran, was apprehended at a low lodging‐house in Crown Lane, Charter‐street, Manchester, on Saturday morning.
From information given by the landlord, a man named Holding, Detective Sergeant Jackson and Detective Fox went to the house in Crown Lane, and there apprehended Carey, whom they found in bed. On asking him his name, he said it was John Delaney, but the officers, not believing his statement, took him to the Town Hall. There it was found that his description tallied with that given by the Cheshire police of the suspected man.
Information was at once sent to the Chief Constable of Cheshire, and in the course of the afternoon Sergeant Oldham, of the Cheshire constabulary, arrived in Manchester with several witnesses for the purpose of identifying the prisoner. Carey was placed in the midst of about, eighteen other men, and he was at once picked oat by the witnesses as being the man wanted. One of them named Austin fully identified the prisoner as the man he saw leaving Earlam's house on the morning of the murder with a bundle in his hand. Another of them, who was lodging in Earlam's house at the time, also identified the prisoner, and said he knew the pair of trousers dis‐covered at a marine store dealer's, as his wife had mended them for the prisoner some time ago. Both he and the other witness, who was also a lodger in the house, identify a large clasp knife found on the prisoner as one that had been lent to them by Carey daring the period he lodged with the murdered man. It appears that Carey has been in Manchester since the evening of Sunday, the 11th ult., two days after the commission of the murder, and since his arrival has been living at the house where he was j arrested. He rarely left the house, only going outside at night, and during one of his walks he purchased a new suit of clothes. The suit he wore at the time the murder was committed has been found at the shop of a marine store dealer, to whom the prisoner had sold it. The Bait of clothes belonging to the murdered man has not yet been recovered, bat the police hope to be able to discover what the prisoner has done with it. Sergt. Oldham and the witnesses remained in Manchester on Sunday night. THE PRISONER BEFORE THE MAGISTRATES. At the Manchester City Police Court, on Monday, the man who was apprehended by Detective Sergeant Jackson and Detective Fox in Manchester, on Saturday, was brought up before Mr Headlam in order that his identity as Patrick Carey, alias Jack White, might be proved, and that he might be handed over to the Cheshire police. A reward of £100 was offered for his apprehension. Detective Sergeant Jackson said that from informa‐tion he received he went on Saturday morning to No. 5 house, 1 Court, Ashley Lane, Charter‐street, and in the top room there he saw the prisoner in bed. Wit‐ness asked him his name, and he replied "John Delaney." Having desired him to get up and dress, witness next inquired where he came from, and be made answer that he was from Derbyshire, whence be had tramped to Manchester. He also described the towns through which he had passed en route. Witness then said he should take him to the police office on suspicion of being the murderer of Thomas Earlam and Mary Moran at Small wood, near Sandbach. To that he replied, “I know nothing about it." Witness and another officer afterwards found the trousers and coat which Carey was supposed to be wearing at the time he left Earlam's house ; also some clothing which Carey was supposed to have stolen after committing the murder. At the police office the prisoner was placed along with 19 others, and identified by two witnesses, one of whom picked him oat as having stayed at Earlam's house, and the other as the man he had seen leaving the house about the time the doable crime must have been committed. In answer to a question pat by Mr. Headlam, witness said a suit of clothes had been found at the house of a woman with whom the prisoner had lodged answering the description of the articles stolen after the murder ; also a handkerchief. These the prisoner had asked the woman to pawn for him. Thomas Austin, wheelwright, residing at Smallwood, said he knew the house where the deceased man Earlam had lived. The bodies were found there between a quarter and half‐past three o'clock on the 9th ult. Witness first saw the prisoner on the 8th ult. He was then going in the direction of the place where Earlam resided. Witness again saw him on the following day, about twenty minutes to one, coming from the house with a bundle wrapped in a handkerchief under his left arm. Witness was then coming oat of his own lodgings, about 250 yards distant. Patrick Shannon said he had been living at Earlam's house, and recognised the prisoner as having stayed there two days and nights. He saw the prisoner about a week before the murder. The prisoner gave no name, so far as he was aware, but "Jack." Superintendent Hindley, of the Cheshire police, then appeared, and asked that the prisoner might be given into his custody. This application was granted, and the prisoner was then removed from the dock. The prisoner arrived at Sandbach on Monday evening in the custody of the Cheshire police. Both at the rail‐way station and at the police office a large crowd of persons had assembled, and a great deal of unfriendly feeling was displayed. At the police station the prisoner was charged with the murder of Thomas Earlam and Mary Moran at Smallwood on the 9th of February, and he replied "I know nowt about it." He was farther charged with stealing from Edward Sampay a suit of clothes and a bank book; but to this charge he made no reply. — Elizabeth Murphy, the woman with whom he had been lodging in Manchester, was then charged with receiving Sampay’s clothes, knowing them to have been stolen. She said she was not guilty, and was about to make a statement, but she was told she would have farther opportunity of clearing herself. At Sandbach, on Tuesday, Patrick Carey, alias John White, was taken before Mr G. W. Latham, and charged with the wilful murder of Thomas Earlam and Mary Moran, in a house at Smallwood, on the 9th ult., and with stealing from the same house a suit of clothes, the property of Sampay. The tragedy has caused great excitement in the locality, and a large crowd collected outside the Town Hall to get a glimpse of the prisoner as he was being taken from the look‐up to the Police Court, where it was originally intended the witnesses should be examined. But, to the dis‐appointment of the gaping hundreds, the authorities decided that the proceedings should be conducted at the police station. •THE PRISONER REMANDED. The prisoner looked very sullen as he stepped from the cell. The charge against him was stated by the magistrate, and then evidence was called. John Hindley, superintendent of police at Middlewich, said that on the 9th Feb. he went to the house at Smallwood occupied by Earlam and Moran, and there saw the dead body of Thomas. Earlam. It bore marks of blows on the head. He also saw the woman Mary Moran that day. She was badly wounded on the head, but was not then dead. She was unconscious. On the 19th he saw her dead. The Magistrate, addressing the prisoner, said the evidence would all be gone over again it was intended merely to remand him in the meantime. Had be any questions to ask? The prisoner replied by a shake of the head. Wm. Booth, police constable at Smallwood, said that on the 9th Feb. he met the prisoner on the road about half a mile from the house in Smallwood formerly occupied by Earlam and Moran. He could not say the direction the prisoner was taking, as he did not see him turn. He was on the Congleton Road. That was about 12.50 in the afternoon. He did not then know the prisoner's name. He had a bundle with him. He was carrying something that was wrapped in a coloured handkerchief. Patrick Shannon said he lodged in Earlam's house at Smallwood at the same time as the prisoner. On the day of the murder he left the house at half‐past six in the morning. He left the prisoner there. On the previous Sunday night prisoner sang to him a song called “The Emigrant's Farewell from Ireland." The prisoner was remanded till Tuesday next at eleven o'clock. In the meantime he will be imprisoned at Knutsford.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 4 October 1884
A POLIOEMAN STABBED IN BOUGHTON.
Late on Thursday night an affair which might have been attended with most serious consequences ocourred in Chester.
As Police‐constable Tutty was going his rounds in Boughton a, few minutes before midnight, he found an elderly man (who proved to be Samuel Cawley, salt boiler, from Chapel‐street, Over) reposing on a doorstep. The officer roused the man, who in a fit of intoxication or insanity thereupon commenced a violent assault on him, making use of a short‐bladed knife, with which he dealt several thrusts at the officer's person.
Tutty, who defended himself with his staff, was unaware of the formidable weapon which his opponent wielded till he felt the blade penetrating his hand. He then managed to secure the prisoner and take him into custody. The policeman's hand was badly gashed, and at the dose of the encounter he discovered that his waterproof cape was cut in several places, and his overcoat similarly rent in about half‐a‐dozen places on the breast, Luckily the knife was an ordinary dinner knife with the point ground off so that it could not stab much, but gash.
The prisoner was brought before the magistrates at the City Police Court yesterday (Friday), when P.C. Tutty described the finding of the man and the assault, as stated above. In his opinion the prisoner was not too drunk to be unconscious of his actions. Prisoner : He is not telling the truth. Are you? — Witness : Yes. (Laughter.) Prisoner: No ; I think you are not telling the truth. You have done it yourself (pointing to the rents in the cape and coat), and you want to lay it on me now. Look at me and say whether you are not telling a lie. I doubt you are a great sinner. (Laughter.) If you say it in this Court mind it will, may be, have to go to a higher tribunal. I will tell you that, young man, and if you have told a lie it is a serious thing. (Laughter.)— The Mayor : It is a very serious charge.
Mr C. Corderoy, public‐house keeper, Boughton, stated that at a quarter to twelve o'olock on Thursday night he went downstairs to lock his door, and found the prisoner sitting on the doorstep. He asked what he was doing there, but the man, who seemed to be chewing a stick, replied that witness should mind his own business, and that it was all right. The policeman then made his appearance and elicited the man's name and his errand to Chester, which he said was to buy horses and cows. Witness withdrew, and as he was going to bed heard Cawley exclaim, " Oh, it is you, you! you want to kill me." When witness ran to the door he saw Cawley rushing with a knife at the policeman, who was warding off the blows with his staff. Witness said to the officer, " Knock him down," and Tutty rejoined, " Oh, no ; the man is not right." Witness offered his assistance, but the policeman assured him he could manage. The man seemed more insane than drunk. The Chief Constable (Mr Fen wick) then applied for an adjournment, to admit of enquiries being made into the case, and the prisoner was remanded till Monday.
Cheshire Observer -Saturday 26 January 1884
CHILD MURDER AT CHESTER.
A discovery made at Chester Cemetery on Wednesday morning has founded the suspicion that a child murder was committed in the city early this week. From what has transpired it appears that soon after eight o'clock that morning one of the labourers in the cemetery, while passing along near the Grosvenor‐road end of the grounds found the dead body of a newly born female child lying on the embankment which skirts the burial ground at that place. The man communicated his discovery to the police, who took the body to the police office. Thence it was conveyed to the General Infirmary, where a post mortem examination was made by Dr. Macpherson, the house surgeon, revealed the fact that death had been caused by haemorrhage and exposure to cold.
When found, the corpse was perfectly nude, a blood‐strained piece of cloth lying a few feet off. The police have not yet discovered the guilty party. Mr J. Tatlock, city coroner, opened an inquest on the body at the Infirmary on Wednesday afternoon.
Henry Mallard, labourer, deposed that he lived at Handbridge, and on Wednesday morning about eight o'clock he went to his work at the Cemetery. He was working at the Handbridge end of the Cemetery, and when passing a shed near the Grosvenorroad end of the grounds, where he was going for some tools, he saw what he thought was a piece of paper, and he called the attention of Samuel Powell to it. He then went to the spot and found the body of a baby lying on the bare ground without any wrapping. About two yards from the place where the body lay was a small piece of cloth, which witness had mistaken for a paper. Witness at once went to Mr Jarvis, superintendent of the Cemetery, and he sent witness to the Police Office. Sergeant Price accompanied him back to the Cemetery, and took charge of the body. There was no blood to be seen on the cloth, neither did witness find any piece of string or cord near the body. The corpse was found at a spot within half a dozen yards of the Grosvenor‐road, which at that point is bordered by a holly hedge less than four feet high. Witness did not notice if there was any mark on the soil where the child was lying, and saw no footsteps in the vicinity.
Police‐Sergeant Price said he went to the Cemetery on Wednesday morning, acting on information given by the previous witness. P.C. Hatton accompanied him, and on reaching the Cemetery they found lying in a small recess in the embankment the dead body of a child. There was a blood stain on one corner of a piece of cloth lying near the corpse, An examination of the body being made, witness found no marks of violence on it. It was taken to the Police Office, and afterwards to the General Infirmary, by
Detective Sergeant Murphy.
Dr Alfred MacPherson, house surgeon of Chester Infirmary, stated that Detective‐Sergeant Murphy handed him the body and cloth in question that morning at that institution. Witness examined the corpse externally, and found it was the body of a newly‐born female child. Witness could not say whether it bad been born alive or not, but a post‐mortem examination would enable him to decide the question.
At this point the inquiry was adjourned till Friday morning for the purpose of allowing a post‐mortem examination of the body to be made.
The inquest was resumed yesterday (Friday) morning at the Infirmary, where Dr. MacPherson, recalled, deposed that on Wednesday evening he made a post‐mortem examination ot the body, from which he found that the child had been born alive. It must have lived some minutes, though he could not say how much longer. The lungs were fully expanded. There were no marks of violence internally, and all the organs of the body were in a healthy state. In witness's opinion death hasd been caused by haemorrhage consequent on neglect and exposure to cold. That was his belief, but he could not state positively. No attention had been paid to the child at birth, it not having been even washed, and he attributed the death partly to exposure to cold; because the haemorrhage of itself would have taken longer to kill the child than the time during which it appeared to have been alive. Witness also examined the cloth found near the body, and noticed on it stains of human blood.
There being no further evidence, the Coroner said they had heard how the child had been found, and from the doctor's description of the body the infant seemed to have received no attention whatever at its birth. He supposed the jury would find a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence, and so leave it open for the police to pursue the matter further if they could. There was no evidence of any injury, externally or internally, to the body, and the organs all seemed to have been in a healthy state. The jury returned an open verdict, in accordance with the doctor's testimony.
Cheshire Observer -Saturday 5 July 1884
MYSTERIOUS DROWNING OASE AT CHESTER. On Wednesday evening some little excitement was sensed in Chester through it becoming known that a young woman had been found drowned near the Windmill, on the river Dee, about midway between the White House and Heron Bridge. The body was removed to the mortuary at the Chester General Infirmary, where it was found to be that of a respectably‐dressed young woman about 23 or 25 years of age. Deceased was of light complexion and with light brown hair, dressed in black, with low shoes and black stockings and grey striped petticoat, and had on her a gold watch attached to a silver chain, jet brooch, and a purse containing upwards of a sovereign. The body was seen by a considerable of number of people on Thursday, but there was a complete failure of identification. Of course there are several theories as to. how deceased may have got into the water— she may have dropped asleep on the bank and fallen in, or have been endeavouring to reach out for something under the bushes which grow near the spot and so have got in accidentally. But the probabilities of the case point to suicide, as in addition to there being no traces of footmarks or struggling on the bank, deceased seems to have taken means to suppress her identity, having apparently torn out the name or initials in the corner of a comparatively new pocket‐handkerchief. The only clue to identification of name appears to be the name of " F. J. Floyd " on the band of her petticoat. An inquest was opened on the body on Thursday, at the Infirmary, before Mr J. Tatlock, oity ooroner, when the following evidence was taken : — Colonel Alexander Murray, of the Laohe, said he was rowing up the river Dee with his little eon, aged seven, about five o'clock on Wednesday evening, and when opposite the Windmill, half‐way up the reach to Heron Bridge, his son pointed to something and said, "Is that a woman in the water ? " Witness stopped the boat and saw something floating, and backing the boat towards it saw a women's head. She had no hat on, but that was subsequently found floating on the water. The head was raised convulsively two or three times and then disappeared before witness could get to her. To the best of his (witness's) judgment the woman was about six yards from the meadow (or Chester) shore. Witness shouted to a gentleman on the other side who was rowing a lady back in the direction of Chester to come to his assistance. It was then he saw a female's hat on the water about three yards from where the body went down. The gentleman came up and "bottomed " the water with his oar, but could not feel the body. Drags were procured from the White House, and the body was recovered. Nobody was near the woman at the time of her disappearance except witness and his son and some fishermen about 250 yards away. There was no scream nor apparent struggling, and though witness examined the bank for about thirty yards he found no mark of any struggle nor even a foot‐print; neither was there any boat near. By the jury : The nature of the bank was such that persons could throw themselves off into the river with‐out leaving a mark. Deceased must have made a spring into the water which was so low that if she had walked in she would have been bound to have left some mark. Evidence was then taken of the recovery of the body, and Detective‐Sergeant Murphy asked that the inquest might be adjourned, as he was not without hope of a clue to the deceased's identity. The inquest was adjourned till this day (Saturday) at three o'clock.
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 7 August 1884
THIEF‐CATCHING ON A BICYCLE.
SPECIAL TELEGRAM.
Sergeant O'Donnell, Cheshire constabulary, had a five and twenty miles' chase on his bicycle, yesterday, after a pedlar named Berristin, who had detained a watch belonging to a Cheshire farmer. The pursuit occupied three hours, the sergeant having only got the warrant for the arrest of the man whom he eventually caught at Great Sutton, six hours after his running off with the watch.
Cheshire Observer -Saturday 13 September 1884
COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS SATURDAY. —
Arthur Pettingale, Police sergeant, stationed at Saughall was summoned by Charles Farrington, farm labourer for assaulting him at Mollington on the previous Saturday night. Mr W. H Churton appeared for the complainant and the defendant was also legally represented. From the opening statement of Mr Churton it appeared that on the night in question the complainant in company with a man named Ralph Jones, left the Wheat Sheaf Inn, Mollington, at about 10 o’clock and walked in the direction of Chester. When they had proceeded about 50 yards they stood still, complainant waiting for his master, Mr James Jones, who was standing near the Wheat Sheaf. While they were standing there an Irishman came up and enquired the way to a Mr Carter's, where they directed him. Directly the man had left them the defendant came up and said to Farrington, ‐"Move on what do you want standing here" The complainant replied, “l am waiting for my master," when the defendant said, ‐“Now Charles I will have none of your bother," and struck him on the side of the head, pushed him, and knocked his hat off. He then picked up the hat and offered it to complainant, who refused to take it, saying he might keep it as an acknowledgment of what he had done as he meant to summon him. When the officer came up Ralph Jones turned and walked on but hearing a scuffle he looked back and saw the officer with Farrington's hat in his hand, and heard the conversation between complainant and Pettingale. Pettingale then went away, and Jones and the complainant went to Mr John Davies's, of Mollington, and afterwards to his master's house. At the time of the occurrence there was no one nearer than some people at the Wheat Sheaf, some 50 yards away. The complainant had not given the defendant any cause to interfere with him, and was standing, not making any disturbance, and both the complainant and his companion were perfectly sober. Mr Churton then called complainant, Charles Farrington, who bore out his solicitor's statements. Cross‐examined: He went to Mr John Davies to ask his opinion whether the (complainant) was sober. He had been previously convicted of drunkenness on the evidence of defendant, and had threatened Pettingale that if ever he saw him drunk again he would report him. He was not swearing at the time Pettingale ordered him to go home, and did not make use of any bad language to the defendant.— Ralph Jones, living at Mollington, deposed that when Pettingale told complainant and himself to go home he, (witness) turned round and walked away. He had only gone a few yards when he heard a scuffle, and looking round saw defendant offering a hat to complainant, but the latter would not take it, and told the officer to keep it as an acknowledgment of what he had done. He afterwards accompanied complainant to Mr Davies's. They were both sober, and were not obstructing the road in any way nor were they swearing.— For the defence it was denied that any assault was committed on the complainant, who by his own statement had a grudge against the defendant. The defendant in the usual course of his duty finding complainant and his companion making use of bad language on the high road, told them to go home, and caught hold of complainant by the shoulder and turned him in that direction. There was not sufficient evidence to prove that the assault took place, and it would be a very serious thing to convict the defendant unless the Bench were perfectly satisfied as to his guilt. — The Chairman said the Bench had given the case their careful consideration, and were not satisfied that the assault had been omitted.
Liverpool Echo - Monday 11 February 1884
COOL CONDUCT OF A YOUNG MAN.
About half‐past two o'clock this morning, Police‐constable Kettle, of the Cheshire Constabulary, I found a young man standing in Grosvenor‐road, New Brighten, in a state of absolute nudity. He refused to give the officer his name and address, and all his answers as to why he was behaving in so singular a manner were incoherent and contradictory. The officer took him to the police station, and on the roads in the neighbourhood being searched, a suit of clothing was found in a street in Egremont, about two miles away. These proved to belong to the young man, and when they were brought to the office he; dressed himself in them. From documents found in the pockets, it was ascertained that the young man's name was George Hather, residing at 30, Old Chester‐road, Tranmere. Some time since he had obtained a prize from the Science and Art Department, and it is believed that this bas affected his mind. He was given up to his friends this morning.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 17 January 1885
A MOCK BIRTH IN CHESTER. PECULIAR CASE.
A Charge of a peculiar character was preferred on Thursday at Chester City Police Court, before the Mayor and other Magistrates, against a young and respectably attired widow, named Jane Hughes, who gave her address as 79, Ashton‐street, Liverpool. The accusation was that on the 23rd August the prisoner unlawfully and wilfully stated to Chas. George Haswell the registrar of births and deaths for the sub‐district of Chester Castle, that a certain child named Rhoda Celia Hughes had been born at No. 33, Seller‐street, Cheater on the 30th July, 1884, while the truth was that no such child was then born there or elsewhere, and this she did with intent to have the same entered on the register. Mr E. Evans‐Lloyd, who prosecuted, said he understood the charge was admitted, but be would briefly state the case against this unfortunate young woman. He appeared on behalf of the Registrar‐General to prefer a rather serious charge against this poor woman, the allegation being that she went to the registrar of this district and gave him the particulars of a supposed birth of a female cohild, named Rhoda Celia Hughes, to her, she being the wife of George Hughes, deceased, and her maiden name being Pennington. She at the same time stated that the occupation of her father was farming, that she then resided at 38, Seller‐street, Chester, and there and then on the 23rd August those particulars were furnished in reply to questions which it was the duty of the registrar to put. His (Mr Evans‐Lloyd's) instructions were— indeed he believed the woman had practically admitted it— that really no such child was ever born to this woman, and that at the time she was not even enceinte. There was, however, a motive for making this entry, which he did not propose to eater into, as he did not think he should import that into the case. It was merely his duty to show that this entry was false. The section under which the present proceedings were taken was the 40th of 37 and 88 Victoria, cap. 88, which provided that any person who wilfully made a false answer to any question put to him by a registrar relating to the particulars required concerning any birth or death, or made say false statement with intent to have it entered on the register of births add deaths, should be liable to a penalty not exceeding £10. The present charge was that she had completed the offence there contemplated, she had given a false statement with intent to have it entered on the register, and evidence would be given in proof of his assertions The prisoner had told Mr Haswell she was at the time living at 83, Seller‐street, and they had now summoned the woman who then occupied that house— her sister and she would state that no such birth whatever took place. He wished to add that he bad instruction from the Registrar General to request that the prisoner be summarily convicted. He was sorry to have to press the case against her, but these were his instructions.
Mr C. G. Haswell, registrar of births and deaths for the sub‐district of Chester Castle and registrar of marriages for the district of Chester, was then called, and said the prisoner came to his office on the 23rd August, saying she wished to register a ohild. The first question put to her was "la it your ohild." She replied “Yea." Witness then asked when it was born, and she answered in the 30th July, 1884 Questioned as to where it was born, she stated that it was at No. 88, Seller‐street. The particulars then entered were read over to the prisoner, and she signed her name to the entry. She gave her husband's name as George Hughes, deceased. The prisoner, when asked to cross‐examine the witness, said : My husband was dead two years and seven months. I did do it. I have been cruelly deceived, and I did it just to purpose to frighten the party that I did it for. I did not know that I was doing anything wrong at the time. The witness stated that when the prisoner came to his office she said her husband had been dead only seven months. Mr Evans‐Lloyd said that was the only witness he proposed to call respecting the register. He should be prepared to prove that no such birth did take place in that house, but he thought the prisoner's own admission would be sufficient.
Detective Steen was then examined. He said he arrested the prisoner on Wednesday in Liverpool on a warrant charging her with making a false declaration. After bearing the warrant read she replied, "Is this Mr Haswell's doings. II will tell you the truth. I did go to Mr Haswell's, in Foregate‐street, in August last, and registered a ohild of the name of Rhoda Celia Hughes, but I did it to frighten Mr Jardine. I did not know that I was doing any wrong, or else I would nave apologised to Mr Haswell ; but let me get out of this and I will make Mr Jardine sit up." (Laughter.) Mr Evans‐Lloyd, in addressing the court, impressed on the bench the gravity of the charge. They all knew how much depended on the accuracy of the, entries in the register‐book, and any attempt to pass a fraud upon an officer representing the public in that way was of very great gravity; and though he did not wish to press it unnecessarily he was instructed to request the Magistrates to bear in mind this very serious offence against society. If a person was able to go and give false particulars as to the entry of a birth which never took place it went to the very root of society. This was not other "mock marriage "— (laughter)— it was a case of mock registration of a birth. The prisoner said she had nothing to advance in her defence, and chose to be summarily dealt with. The Mayor said the decision of the Bench was that the prisoner be fined £2 10s and costs, or go to prison for a month. This she must consider a very lenient sentence because she bad made herself liable to two years imprisonment.
Cheshire Observer
Saturday 18 July 1885
GRAVE CHARGE AGAINST A CHESTER POLICE‐SERGEANT.
At the Chester City Police Court on Wednesday — before the Mayor and other Magistrates
Mr W. H. Churton, solioitor, applied on behalf of Thomas Samuel Jones, landlord of the Flint Boathouse, Crane Wharf, Crane‐street, for a summons against Sergeant Plimmer, of the City Police Force, for an indictable misdemeanour. Mr Jones, he said, had for twelve years conducted that public‐house without any complaint being made against him
On Monday, the 22nd June, at half‐past eight o'clock in the evening, Sergeant Plimmer went to the public‐house in plain clothes— he being presumably off duty at the time — and asked for half‐a‐pint of stout, with which he was supplied. He then went into one of the rooms, at the same time making a remark about a niece of his that had come over for the day. Shortly after that a woman went into the same room. The landlady of the house, Mrs Jones, suspecting something wrong, while passing along, entered the room, and, she alleged, found the sergeant behaving indecently. Being utterly disgusted with his conduct, the ordered the officer out, telling him he was not going to be allowed to turn her house into a place of ill‐fame. All Plimmer said was that no harm bad been done, and eventually the couple left the premises. The landlord of course considered this a serious matter for him; because if a publican permitted his house to be used for such a purpose (as they bad recently seen in Chester) he was not only liable to a serious fine, but was in danger of having his licence forfeited, and himself absolutely disqualified. If a sergeant of the City Police force, whose duty it was to investigate cases of this description, should himself be guilty of this sort of an offence, it was about as gross a scandal as could be well conceived. This matter, he believed, had been before the Watch Committee of the Town Council, who, after dealing with it, bad considered the case proved, and had in consequence made some reduction in the sergeant's position, though the alleged offender had denied his guilt. It was a most solemnly serious thing that a man going about in the uniform of a policeman should be allowed to do this sort of thing; because upon his evidence very much depended the result of similar oases to this, and Mr Jones therefore considered it was a most serious thing that such a man should be permitted to continue in the police force after such an occurrence.
He (Mr Churton) was not going to enter into the morality of the question: a man might be as immoral at he liked in private, but not in a public place where the public had a right to resort. A variety of oases in point bad been decided, and it was not necessary for a conviction that the offence should be done with intent to outrage decency, it was sufficient that the offence was an outrage to decency. He had both Mr and Mrs Jones in Court to give evidence if necessary, and it would be open for Plimmer, when the case came on, to have his defence conducted (as he trusted would be the case) by a professional gentleman.
The Bench said they would grant the summons without prejudice. Subsequently, however, the Mayor said they most have some evidence on which to lay the information, and Mrs Elizabeth Jones was then sworn. She said she was the wife of Thomas Samuel Jones, who kept the Flint Boat House at Crane Wharf, and: where they bad been twelve years; it was a fully licensed public‐house. On Monday the 22nd June, she was at home about half‐past eight o'clock in the evening. When Plimmer came in be first knocked for a ginger beer, with which she (witness) served him and left the room. He had a Woman with him.
Afterwards witness went towards the door of the room — which was a public room on the aide of the entrance lobby — where she heard a noise, and thinking something unusual was going on, she entered the room (Tbe witness here described what she saw) and adding that she "stormed" at the parties and ordered them both to leave. Plimmer turned aside and mumbled something about "No harm done.' Both then left.
The summons was then granted
The Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser Saturday 5th June 1886.
THE ATTEMPTED MURDER OF POLICEMAN AT WARRINGTON. At the Liverpool Assizes on Saturday, before Mr. Justice Grantham, Michael Connor, 28, and Michael Hennessey, 28, labourers, were indicted for having, at Warrington, on the 6th February last, feloniously assaulted Michael Hennessey, a borough police Constable, with intent to murder him. Mr. Hope conducted the case for the prosecution, and the prisoners were defended by Dr. Commins, M.P., and Mr. Segar. From the statement of Mr. Hope appeared that Hennessey and another constable named Singleton were on duty Market‐gate, Warrington, on the afternoon of the day in question, when the prisoners came and used abusive language to them. Singleton told them to go away quietly, but instead of doing so they used further bad language, and the prisoner Hennessey stepped back as if he were going to kick Singleton. Prosecutor seeing this pushed him away, and he fell on his back. Both the prisoners then went away, and the two constables followed them towards their homes. Just before the prisoner Hennessey got into his house said he would settle the prosecutor before he went to sleep. Both the constables returned to their beats, but the prosecutor on his way was stopped by someone, and whilst talking Hennessey came and caught hold of his leg, with the intention of throwing him, and Connor, who had come up in the meantime, drew a short poker and struck the prosecutor a violent blow on the head. The prisoner Hennessy then said, "Let give the ………some more," and Connor said,” You do the same." The prosecutor and Singleton were called and deposed to the facts as stated by counsel. Dr. Smith stated that if it had not been for the helmet the blow' would probably have proved fatal. Prosecutor had lost great deal of blood. For the defence was argued that the threats made use of meant nothing in Warrington, and that the policemen had acted illegally in interfering with the prisoners in the way they had done and knocking Hennessey down. Connor was found guilty of assaulting with intent to murder, and was sentenced to 10 years' penal servitude, and Hennessey was found guilty of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and sentenced to five years penal servitude. Both prisoners bore very bad characters.
Murder in Ashton under Lyne
Executed at Manchester
Ann Britland
(1848-1886)
Habitual murderer by poisoning, Mary Ann Britland of Ashton-under-Lyne was hanged by James Berry on the 9th of August 1886, the first woman to be executed at Strangeways Prison in Manchester.
It began when Mary and her husband Thomas Britland had rented a house in Ashton-under-Lyne, which was infested with mice and she had bought rat poison ostensibly to deal with the problem. The poison contained strychnine and arsenic and she had therefore signed the poison register.
Britland's first victim by poisoning in March 1886 was her daughter Elizabeth, whom the attending physician diagnosed as having died of natural causes. Shortly afterwards, Britland claimed her daughter's £10 life insurance. Next, she poisoned her husband Thomas. His death was diagnosed as epilepsy - Britland also claimed on his life insurance. During this time she is thought to have had an affair with her neighbour Thomas Dixon. Dixon's wife, also named Mary, was to become the next and her final victim. This third death raised suspicion in the neighbourhood. Britland was subsequently interrogated by the local police about Mary Dixon's death and the body was examined by the district pathologist. It was found to contain a lethal quantity of the two poisons and Mary was immediately arrested.
She was tried for murder at Manchester Assizes on Thursday 22nd July 1886. She was inevitably found guilty, sentenced to death by hanging, as was the rule of the day, but declared to the court "I am quite innocent, I am not guilty at all". She had to be assisted to the gallows in a state of virtual collapse and physically supported by two male warders on the trap doors during the execution.
Liverpool Mercury - Tuesday 16 March 1886
DISTRICT SESSIONS WEDNESDAY
Albert Egerton, a sergeant in the Runcorn division of the Cheshire constabulary, was charged with assaulting Joseph Gregory.
Mr. W. If. Churton, of Chester, appeared for the complainant, and the defendant pleaded guilty.
From the solicitor’s statement it appeared that Gregory was a labouring man, and on Saturday afternoon. the 6th instant, after watching a football match, he had several pints of beer, and one or two drinks of whisky, but was not drunk He was pursuing his way along Greenway‐road quietly, when the sergeant, who was drunk, accused Gregory of being in that condition, and in attempting to arrest him fell to the ground. He soon regained his feet, and a struggle ensued between the men, the sergeant eventually getting the "snaps" upon Gregory’s wrist. He then dragged Gregory into the middle of the road, and for 40 minutes continued to twist his wrist with the “snaps." Gregory screamed frequently with pain, and the bystander’s asked a constable who came upon the scene to take the sergeant away.
The constable said he dare not interfere, and the inspector shortly afterwards arrived, but the sergeant also refused to permit him to release his prisoner. As Gregory was going up the steps at the police station the sergeant gave him a violent blow with the back of the hand, which was "enough to daze a man" Gregory's wrist was bleeding profusely, and so was his head; and Superintendent Leah ordered him to be discharged, and taken to Dr. McDougall's surgery.
The Bench considered it un necessary to call any witnesses, and the sergeant in defence stated that on the occasion in question he had been on duty from the Friday afternoon until Saturday night engaged concerning the supposed murder at Weston Point. On Saturday he had no food from half‐past five in the morning, and during the day he did take some stimulants, and was under the influence of drink. He alleged that when he met Gregory in Greenway‐road, the latter knocked against him, and he fell into the road. Gregory then commenced to kick him.
Colonel Hamersley, the chief constable, who was present, reminded the bench that in addition to the punishment he would receive at their hands, Egerton would also undergo any punishment he might consider it necessary to impose‐A fine of £2 and costs 9s 6d was imposed.
Manchester Evening News Monday 27th September 1886
EXTRAORDINARY CASE OF DRUNKENNESS AN EX‐POLICE SUPERINTENDENT'S WIFE IN CUSTODY. PAINFUL REVELATIONS. Before Manchester County Police Court, before Mr. J. H. P. Leresche, stipendiary magistrate, a case attended with some painful incidents was brought up for hearing. Mary Mayho, 57 years of age, and of very respectable appearance was charged with drunkenness.
P.C. Allan, stationed at Longsight, proved that the prisoner was drunk and disorderly' at Lougsight yesterday afternoon. She was also charged with wilful damage to the door of her son, Mr. Robert Mayho, of 51, Baker‐street, Longsight, and doing injury to the amount of 3s. 9d. Mr. Mayho went into the witness box, and said that the prisoner was his own mother, and the widow of the late Superintendent Mayho, of the Cheshire police, stationed at Nantwich. Since the death of witness's father, the prisoner had done but drink, and causes his (witness's) family a great amount of trouble by her disgraceful conduct. She was only liberated last Saturday from Knutsford Gaol after having been confined 14 days for drunkenness. Yesterday she came to witness's house in a state of drunkenness, and began to cause a disturbance in the street. Witness refused to allow the prisoner to enter his house. She then smashed a window in ths door, and cut witness's wife's face with the broken glass. Witness had tried every possible way ho could think of to make his mother comfortable. He had kept a room vacant at his own house for four months; hut could not put up with the prisoner's drunken habits, and was compelled to send her away. A short time ago she was found in Nantwich Square, ma drunken condition with a crowd of people around her. She had £2 per week coming in from a grant by the police authorities, who at the time of the death of prisoner's husband allotted her £160. Mr. Leresche: Cannot the police take any stops to prevent her squandering the money. Witness: I have written to the authorities on the subject, and had not received any instructions. Ho might add that he (witness) had offered to make arrangements with the police for the money to be sent to him, so that he might keep and clothe the prisoner in a proper manner. This, however, his mother would not listen to, and from the time of witness' father's death she has been carrying on most shamefully. She had been seen dancing on the gravestone in the churchyard where his father was now lying. She often ill‐used her husband and his body bore numerous marks of her treatment at the time of his burial. It was a most painful thing for witness and his family to bear and he (witness) would be extremely obliged if (he) Mr. Leresche could give him any advice in the matter.—Mr. Leresche: I will remand the prisoner until Wednesday. — The prisoner, who appeared to be suffering from drink, cried piteously on being removed to the cells.
Cheshire Observer
Saturday 19 November 1887
ALTRINOHAM.
The Cheshire Poaching Affray.
At Altrincham Police Court, on Saturday, before Mr H. Bleckley, two men, named William Scott and Edward Connor, were brought up in custody charged with doing grievous bodily harm to certain officers of the Cheshire Constabulary—Sergeant Cooper and Constable Proudlove— and further with stealing seventeen geese, the property of William Hillkirk, farmer, Brooklands, near Sale, on the sth November last.
Superintendent Leighton stated that on the morning in question there was a robbery of geese on Mr Hillkirk's farm, and the police came in contact with a number of men where it had taken place.
Sergeant Cooper and Police Constable Proudlove were violently assaulted and were still in bed. The two prisoners had only been apprehended on the previous night, and he should apply for a remand in order that they might be identified by the two officers.
A remand for a week was granted.
Cheshire Observer -Saturday 26 November 1887
COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS. Saturday.— Before H. Trelawny, J. Thompson, A Potts, J. Grace, F. Rigby, and B. C. Roberts, Esqs. and Rev. E. A. Pitoairn Campbell.
A PUBLICAN AT FAULT.
George Noble, landlord of the Nag's Head Inn, Bridge Trafford, appeared in answer to informations laid against him by P.C. Crowder for keeping his house open for the sale of drink at illegal hours on the 27th of October, again on the 28th October, and also for assaulting him (Crowder) in the execution of his duty on the latter date. Joseph Pover, of Elton, and George Kirby, William Lee, and Thomas Clarke, all of Thornton, were also charged with being found on the licensed premises of the Nag's Head Inn at illegal hours on the first‐mentioned date; and William Palm and George Lloyd were similarly charged with being there on the 28th.
Mr A. Pritchard appeared for Messrs. Poyer, Kirby, Lee, and Clarke. The case against Noble for keeping open on the 27th October was heard first, and P.C. Crowder said that at 9 40pm on the night of the 27th October he was on duty at Bridge Trafford, where he saw a party of ladies and gentlemen go into the Nag's Head. He asked the landlord at a few minutes to ten whether he had an extension of time, and he replied that he had not, he did not require it. Witness told him he thought he did, and he replied, "No, I don't; I have seen two magistrates, and they told me as it was a private party in a private room taken by Mr Pover that it was not required. He added that they were all travellers with the exception of Mr Pover and two or three of his friends." Witness rejoined You have taken the precaution to take the blame on your own shoulders, and it behoves me now as the policeman of the district to clear myself of any reports that may be circulated as to your keeping your house open for the sale of drink during prohibited hours." He also told Noble that he would report him. Noble replied to the effect that if he said he had seen two magistrates he had made a mistake; he meant he had been too friends. Witness continued to watch the house, and Noble afterwards sail that Mr Pover was paying for everything. The only drink witness saw leaving the bar was some sherry and beer, but he saw no money pass. — To the Bench : The house was supposed to close at ten o'clock, and the front door was closed at that time, but not the back door, which was on the latch. Continuing his evidence the witness said he saw the party go out by the front door at twenty minutes past eleven o'clock. He had previously seen the party in the room, but could not tell the exact number. Amongst them were Mr Joseph Pover, Elton, two miles and a half away ; Mr William Lee, Thornton ; Mr G, Kirby, Thornton ; and Mr Thomas Clarke, Thornton, also about two miles and a quarter or two miles and a half away from the public‐house. These four were independent of people from Chester. Mr Pover and the others resided within three miles of the public‐house. Mr Noble and his wife were serving the wine and beer. To the Bench : A concert had been held at Thornton‐le‐Moors schoolroom that night.
This completed the case against Noble, and Mr Pover and the other three defendants mentioned being included in what was the same evidence of fact, Mr Pritchard proceeded to cross‐examine the witness, who said there had been a concert at Trafford that night, and he (Crowder) rode back to the public‐house with the party at 9‐40. It was about ten minutes to ten before he asked the landlord if he had an extension of time. He did not tell the party the landlord had no extension of time, nor had be measured the distance to Mr Pover's house, but he thought it was about two and a half miles. He would be surprised to hear that it was more than three miles from the inn. He saw the gentlemen in the house several times after ten o'clock. He had been constable at Trafford four months, before that at Dunham and at Broxton. Mr Pritchard: And do you mind telling us what you left Broxton for?
The Chief Constable (Colonel Hamersley) objected, and said he would go into the box and say himself what the witness left for, but he objected to the constable being questioned on what had nothing to do with the case. Mr Pritchard objected that the Chief Constable had no right to intervene, but Colonel Hamersley said he would take the opinion of the Bench on the point. He objected on principle. The Magistrates decided that the question might be put, and the witness said he was ordered to remove because of a disagreement with Superintendent Downs, but it was an entirely private matter, and had nothing to do with his police duties. Mr Pritchard pressed the question, but the Bench thought there was a limit even to cross‐examination, and the Chief Constable said if it was anything affecting the constable's credibility he need not say he would not have retained him in the force. The Bench thought the cross‐examination on the point had gone far enough. Cross‐examination resumed: Witness adhered to the statement that he saw the gentlemen in the room. Mr Pritchard, for the defence, said Mr Pover, who was a leading inhabitant of Thornton had arranged to have a little concert at the alchool‐room for the amusement of the inhabitants ; a very laudable object, he took it. And as many of the persons came from Chester to assist and would not get home in time to get any refreshment, Mr Pover kindly arranged, as the Nag's Head Inn was about a mile and a half nearer Chester than his own residence, to give them what was called "a knife and fork tea" at the Nag's Head, the landlord having assured him that he had an extension of time.
He (Mr Pritohard) submitted that the case did not come within the 25th section of the Licensing Act, as the party was not there in the sense of persons drinking. Mr Pover was examined, and bore out the above statement, adding that he had arranged to have the refreshments at the Nag's Head because the inn was nearer to Chester by a mile and a half from the concert room, while his own house was a mile and a half the other way. Seventeen persons were there altogether, and the inn was distant from his (witness's) house three miles and eight chains. He had had it measured. The Bench, after a short absence, dismissed the cases against Messrs. Pover, Lee, Kirby, and Clarke.
The second case against Noble was then proceded with before the Bench decided in the first. P.C. Crowder then deposed that on the 28th October, at twelve minutes past ten o'clock, in company with P.C. Roberts he visited the defendant's house, and found there eighteen men who stated that they came from Chester. In the kitchen they found two men (Wm. Palm and George Lloyd, of Trafford), each with a full pint of beer before him. He called the landlord's attention to the latter circumstance, and he replied "All right; we have five minutes yet." Witness and Roberts shewed Noble the time— twelve minutes past ten by their watches and the defendant answered "All right ; l am five minutes over time ; l am allowed five minutes to clear out." Both the back and front doors of the premises were open. On leaving the taproom, and hearing voices in a room on the landing, witness went to see who was there. As he got to the door Noble called out, "Come back, Crowder ; you have no right there ; it is a private room, and I won't allow you to go in." Witness, however, went to the room, when Noble rushed up to him, took him by the throat, and attempted to put him out. He asked Noble quietly to take his hands off, but he got hold of him by the shoulders and attempted to put him out. The gentlemen in the room interfered, but defendant insisted upon having him out of the room. P.C. Roberts gave corroborative testimony, completing the case for the prosecution.
Defendant called a witness named F. Barnes, who swore that the two pints (or mugs) of beer referred to had been drawn before ten o'clock. The case against William Palm and George Lloyd was next called on, but only the former appeared, and he admitted being on the premises of the public‐house in question at the time mentioned, but said he didn't know he was doing wrong; in fact he had no watch, there was no clock in the kitchen where he was, and nobody told him to go.
After a short private consultation, Mr Trelawny said the Bench had decided to convict the defendant in both oases of keeping open during illegal hours, and he would be fined 20s and costs to cover both those oases. For putting his hands on the policeman, which was a serious charge, he would also be fined 20s and costs. The money was paid. The cases against Palm and Lloyd were dismissed.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 5 March 1887
CLEVER CAPTURE BY CHESTER DETECTIVES.
Through the clever action of Detective Culliford and Acting Detective Hughes of the Chester City Police Force, two notorious characters, Mary Ellen Bates, and Thomas Townley, who have been “wanted" by the Staffordshire police since August last on a charge of feloniously wounding two constables at Hanley, have been at last arrested.
On the 18th of August, during serious row at Hanley, in which the two prisoners were concerned, two constables interfered, whereupon (it is alleged) the woman Bates stabbed one policeman four or five times in the neck with a knife, and Townley " went for " the other guardian of the peace with a flat iron, both officers being dangerously injured.
Townley and Bates decamped at once, and eluded tbe police vigilance up till this week, when their capture was brought about in a remarkable way.
Detectives Hughes and Culliford, on Wednesday, had their suspicions aroused that the missing parties were in concealment somewhere in Cheater, and diligent enquiries and search resulted in the discovery of Townley and Bates living under an assumed name as man and wife in a lodging‐house in Castle‐street. Their attempt at concealment of identity was of little use in view of one striking special peculiarity Townley posseses an extraordinary pair of cross‐eyes — and this was the ohief means of identification. At midnight, on Wednesday, the detectives and several policemen proceeded to the lodging‐house, and effected the arrrest without resistance.
On Thursday afternoon, an inspector of the Hanley police arrived in Chester, and took his prisoners south with the 4. 20pm train.
Cheshire Observer -Saturday 10 December 1887
TRAGIC AFFAIR AT HOOLE
SUICIDE IN A POLICE CELL.
On Monday Mr H. Churton, oounty coroner, held an inquiry at the Beehive Hotel, Hoole, concerning the death of Thomas Hamblin, who was found dead in a cell at the Police Station, Hoole, early on Saturday morning. Decceased, who was 63 years of age, was well‐built and seemed to have been well oared for. He was taken into oustody on a charge of fowl stealing on Friday week, and early on Satarday morning it was found he had committed suicide by hanging himself in the cell in which he was confined. A native of Newbury, South Berkshire, Hamblin had been in Chester for 22 years, and was recently in the service of Mr Keys, Christleton Road, by whom, however, he was discharged last Friday for drunkenness.
The first witness at the inquest was Sergeant Egerton, of the county constabulary, stationed at Hoole, who deposed that last Friday week the deceased was brought to the Hoole Police Station by Constable Allonby, of Great Boughton, on a charge of stealing three fowls, the property of Mr Edmund Keys, of Great Boughton. Hamblin confessed the theft. He seemed quite sober and rational, and as he never threatened to commit suicide witness did not expect it. When he was searched six‐pence and some other articles were found in his possession. The last time witness saw the man alive was at one o'clock on Saturday morning. He had been seen several times in the course of the night, and at one o'clock he appeared to be asleep with two rugs, one over his body and the other under his head.
P.C. John Blackhurst, stationed at Hoole, stated that on Saturday morning, about five minutes before two o'clock, he visited the police‐station at Hoole exaotly at two o'clock he went to the outside of deceased's cell and called to him, but receiving no answer, he entered the cell and found the deceased dead. There was a leather strap round his neck, one end being fastened to part of a ventilator. Witness cut the strap and did all be could to restore the man, but without success. The body being warm, P.C. Gibbons, to whom he gave the information, sent for a medical man, but he arrived too late to see the man alive. The Coroner, in summing up the evidence, commented on what might have been the inducing oause of suicide and alluded to the fact of the deceased's having committed the robbery, and that he was a man never known to have been in custody before in all his life. In all probability it was the great shook to him that might have so overwhelmed end overcome him with grief and sorrow en having committed such an offence that had induced him to perpetrate the rash act. Some importance was also to be attached to the circumstances that he had given way to drinking for several days during the past week, and the sudden abstention from liquor while in oustody, and the absence of his accustomed stimulant, might have possibly brought on a sudden attaok of delerium tremens.
The jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during temporary insanity.''
Cheshire Observer -Saturday 1 January 1887
CHILDER THORNTON
Christmas Fracas.—
At the Birkenhead County Magistrates' Court, on Thursday, Henry Caunce, Jas. Hollis, and Alfred Wilcoxon, three young men belonging to Willaston, were summoned for having been drunk and disorderly on Christmas night, and for having assaulted Police‐Constable Parr. Mr R. B. Moore was for the defence.
The officer stated that about half‐past ten o'clock on Christmas night he heard that the defendants and some other men were fighting at Childer Thornton. On going there he found his information was correct, and the defendants, on being remonstrated with, rushed at him and knocked him down. Whilst on the ground he was kicked and struck on the head with a stick. Police‐constable West came up, and whilst taking the defendants name, Wilcoxon struck witness several times with a stick. Caunce, who is gamekeeper to Mr Duncan Graham, of Lydiate, wanted to fight him. The constable added that since the encounter he had been unable to resume duty, having been under treatment by Dr. Madden for a cut in the head. Evidence corroborative of the assault was given by Police‐constable West and John Fearon, a young man who had been assaulted at the Hooton Hotel by Caunce the same evening.
For the defence, it was asserted that Parr first set upon Caunce, who, in retaliation, struck him back. The officer also knocked Hollis down and kicked him so severely that he was rendered almost insensible.
The evidence was of such a conflicting nature that the magistrates dismissed the summonses.
Cheshire Observer -Saturday 26 March 1887
NORTHWICH, Death of Cheshire Police Sergeant The death is announced, at Northwich of Sergeant Bradshaw of the Cheshire Constabulary. The deceased recently lost a son at Farndon by drowning in the Dee, and on removing to Northwich was brutally assaulted in a poaching affray. Though he was able to resume duty he never got over the results. The immediate cause of death was English cholera.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 24 December 1887
THE SUSPECTED MURDER IN CHESHIRE.
Mr. Yates, coroner for Mid‐Cheshire, held an inquest at Broadheath, near Altrincham, on Monday, touching the death of James Davies, aged 44, lately a member of the Cheshire Constabulary.
The widow of the deceased officer stated that he went on "protection" duty on a boat from Broadheath to Bollington about half‐past nine on Friday evening. He was accompanied by a favourite dog, and was then cheerful and well. About half‐past five the dog returned home very wet, and one of the forefeet appeared to be very sore. Deceased had been subject to giddiness, but was not ill on Friday.—
Sergeant Turner deposed to leaving the deceased at a quarter‐past two on Saturday morning. There was then a severe storm racing. Deceased went apparently in the direction of the highway, and not along the canal. If he were on the towing‐path the wind would have been blowing from rather than against him.
A market gardener named George Bradshaw, Broadheath, stated he met the deceased on the high road, going in the direction of his own home.
Henry Barlow, night watchman, in the employ of the Bridgewater Trustees, said that a little before four o'clock he first saw the deceased's dog. It went to his cabin, and after looking round ran away. He saw it two or three times after‐wards, and it then appeared to be in search of its master. It was wet, but be could not say whether it bad been in the water.
Dr. Luckman, of Altrincbam, who, in conjunction with Dr. Golland, had made a post‐mortem examination, stated there was a wound on the right temple region three inches long, and a fracture of the skull beneath. On examining the scalp there were no dots of blood on the surface of the brain, or within the brain, which would have been the case had the wounds been caused before death. All the symptoms were what he would expect in death by drowning. It was quite possible that he might have been walking along the canal and been attacked with one of the fits of giddiness and fallen in. The cut on the head had probably been done by the screw of a steamer.
Sergeant Leather produced the deceased's cape, which had been cut down the middle of the back. He saw what he thought were two spots of blood near the bridge, but there were no signs of a struggle having taken place.
Sergeant Martin said he examined the canal all the way from Sale to Broadheath for marks of a struggle, but found none. He searched the body of the deceased and found his watch had stopped at nine minutes past three. His clothes were not disarranged.
The Coroner, in summing up, said the case was a sad and inexplicable one. How the unfortunate man got to Timperley Bridge would remain a mystery, and the evidence was consistent with his having been found drowned, and therefore he did not seem to have met his death by foul play. Under the circumstances he suggested they should return a verdict of found drowned, and although it was not the custom of the Home Office to offer rewards in oases of that kind, yet he thought, in the interests of justice, no stone should be left unturned to find out that terrible mystery.
He had known the man some years, and always found him an excellent and conscientious officer. He was exceedingly sorry for the widow and family for their terrible loss.
The jury returned a verdict of "Found drowned, but how deceased got into the water there was no evidence to prove."
They unanimously approved of the suggestion of the Coroner, who promised to lay the matter before the Home Secretary.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 16 April 1887
THE TRAGEDY AT OREWE MAGISTERIAL EXAMINATION.
The Magistrates at Crewe were engaged the greater part of Thursday in hearing the charge against Henry Thomas Bevin, aged 20, of murdering his aunt, Sarah Griffiths, and of attempting to murder his half‐sister. The prisoner did not maintain his attitude of in difference shown on previous occasions, and seemed to take considerable interest in the proceedings. —
Henry Griffiths, husband of the murdered women, repeated the statement he made before the Coroner's jury as to his return home and finding the body of his wife on the 26th of March. He described the finding of the dolly peg broken, with blood‐stains upon it, and the tongs also bent out of shape. They were not so bent the previous night. He added that the prisoner was a frequent visitor at the house, and that in consequence of what he (witness) had said his wife bad cautioned him repeatedly to be a good lad and to know his own property That was in consequence of a gold watch and a half sovereign having been missed from one of his relatives, with whom he had lodged. The prisoner generally came to the house on Fridays and Saturdays. Witness had given his wife his wages (19s 6d) the previous Friday night, but after the murder on Saturday he could not find any portion of the money. A drawer where his wife usually kept the money was open, and empty. The prisoner had been back from the reformatory about four years, and had lived in various parts of the town with different members of the family. When witness got back from fetching the doctor be found the prisoner in the kitchen. He heard the prisoner say the murder must be the work of tramps. Mr Clutton told the prisoner to go for a policeman, and he went out for that purpose. The prisoner said that he said it was one of the beggars, and not tramps. The witness said the prisoner remarked that it was tramps.
Elizabeth Parsons, sister of the deceased, said she was called by the husband into the house, and found the body lying as described, with the niece lying beside it. The niece, Mary Jones, appeared to know the husband's voice, for she tried to jump up when he asked what was the matter, but fell back again insensible. She found the tongs lying under the girl they were bent out of shape. This witness too corroborated the story as to the relations between the prisoner and the deceased, and of her frequently cautioning him to be a good boy and to mind his own property.
Kitts, living in Shepherd‐street, Crewe, said that on the 26th of March, the day of the murder, about 20 minutes to twelve in the morning, she saw the prisoner in some fields at the back of Griffiths' house. He appeared to be coming from the back door of the house, and he frequently stopped and looked round. He had his hands in his pookets. He came round and passed in front of her house. She noticed that be appeared very pale, and seemed uncomfortable. She had not known the prisoner previously, but she was thoroughly convinced it was the same man as was now in the dock. His movements particularly attracted her attention, and she was struck with his face.
Robert Criddle, a boy, stated that he saw the prisoner about twelve o'clock on the day of the murder. He was in Shepherd‐street. He had known the prisoner for two years, and he had nodded to him as he passed.
Superintendent Leah said he was present in the house when she little girl Mary Jones recovered consciousness. She asked for a drink of water, and Dr Moody asked who had hurt her. She replied "Tom Bevin." He thereupon went to the house in Orohard‐street where the prisoner lodged and found him at tea. He admitted that he had been to Griffiths' house that afternoon, but denied that he was there in the morning. He said be had helped to remove the body of his aunt in the afternoon. To reply to questions as to where he had been in the morning he said round Crewe Park. He added that no one was with him. He had just left home about nine o'clock, and returned just after twelve. Witness inquired how he had learned of the murder, and he said his cousin, Willie Parsons, had come up and told him. He said, "Well, I wish to be candid with you. The little girl, Mary Jones, has recovered consciousness, and she says that it was you who hurt her" He appeared very cool, and said, "No, sir." He took him into custody, conveyed him to the police station, and charged him with the murder. He made no reply.
Inspeotor Oldham said that on the afternoon of the murder the prisoner came to the police station. He seemed confused, and on asking him what was the matter he said that a woman in Henry‐street had killed a little girl, and that the police must come at once. He went with the prisoner. On the way the prisoner said that probably both were dead by this time. Witness asked him who did it, and he replied that he did not know. The prisoner went with him to the house. The witness here described the position of the body, and the blood‐stains on the floor and back door. He said that as they were moving the body of the woman the prisoner took hold of one of her bands, and assisted in her removal to the other kitchen.
Superintendent Leah said there were many blood‐stains upon the prisoner's boots and clothing.
Inspeotor Oldham said he did not think it possible that the blood‐stains on the prisoner's clothing could have been caused by his assisting to remove the body.
The prisoner was remanded for a week. On inquiry the doctor stated that the little girl Mary Jones was not quite so well, and that it would probably be a month before she could come to the court to give evidence.
Cheshire Observer -Saturday 29 September 1888
SANDBAOH.
Attack on a Constable.—
At the Sandbach Police Court on Monday, Thomas Nolan, a tramp, was charged with assaulting P.C. Currie at Alsager. The prisoner dealt the constable a heavy blow in the face and threw him down. The officer, who was arresting the man for vagrancy and using offensive language, struggled to the station with his prisoner. When placed in the cell the tramp assaulted the policeman again. — The magistrates said the prisoner had been guilty of a very savage attack, and they sent him to prison for three months.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 30 June 1888
EXTRAORDINARY ASSAULT ON THE POLICE AT BEESTON FESTIVAL,
THE PARASOL AS A WEAPON OF DEFENCE.
At Eddisbury Petty Sessions on Monday, before E. A. Wright, Esq., and other magistrates;
Frederick Herbert, Arthur Robinson, clerk from London ; Frederick Cope, Crewe; Louisa Clarke, Nantwich; James Bates, Crewe ; and Ada Robinson, Nantwich, on bail, were charged with assaulting Detective‐Inspector Britton and Constable Woodrow, of the County Constabulary, and obstructing teem while in the execution of their duty at Beeston Castle Festival on the previous Tuesday. The four first named were also charged with being drunk and disorderly at the same time. Mr Chatters, Crewe, defended.
Detective‐Inspector Britton deposed that on Tuesday, the 19 th instant, he was on duty at Beeston Castle Festival, posted at the entrance gate in company with P.C. Woodrow. About five o'clock in the after‐noon the prisoners came down from the Castle and Cope wanted pass‐out checks for himself and the others. He was told by Mr Gardner, who was collecting the tickets, that no pass out checks were given, and that if such an were allowed they might as well throw open the gates to the public. While they were standing in the gateway Cope said to witness, "I know you. You are Inspector Britton, aren't you ?" Witness replied in the affirmative, and told them either to go out or stop inside, because he had to keep that gateway clear. The prisoners were all standing in the gateway blocking the passage, while there were several persons wanting to come in and get out. Without any word of warning the prisoners Herbert and Arthur Robinson made a rush at witness, and Herbert struck him on the eye over Cope's shoulder. Witness at once seized hold of Herbert, whereupon Robinson and Cope struck him, but Cope was seized by P.C. Woodrow, who was close by. Both witness and Woodrow were in plain clothes. A struggle ensued between witness and Herbert and Robinson, for some time the two females of the party striking him frequently, both with their fists and parasols. While he was struggling with Robinton and Herbert (who assaulted him, he dared say, twenty times on the face, head, and body), the prisoner Bates came forward in a very cowardly manner and struck him a violent blow on the ear and immediately ran back. He several times struck witness, who was eventually obliged to let go Robinson and Herbert, and make towards Bates, who, however, ran back. Witness advanced towards Herbert again, and was obliged to strike at him with his fists but missed, at the man jumped back. He (witness) had nothing in his hands to defend himself with. Ultimately Superintendent Naylor came lo his assistance, and they got Herbert into the lodge of the Castle, and with the help of P.C. Woodrow , Cope and the female Clarke were also arrested. Witness immediately afterwards went out and found Arthur Robinson, Bates, and the girl Robinson. He got hold of Arthnr Robinson, whereupon all the rest set upon him a second time, till P.C. Woodrow‐again came to the rescue, and the prisoners were all taken into custody. When they were conveyed to Tarporley Police Station Bates said he did not know who witness was else he would not have struck him. The fact was the whole of the prisoners knew he was there to assist the men at the gate, and witness not knowing any of the party told the men in the pay boxes to stick to their posts as he suspected it was a ruse got up for the purpose of robbing the gate money, and therefore he could get no assistance from the men in the boxes. Robinton and Herbert struck witness repeatedly on the face, which was severely bruised at the time. They were all mad drunk. At the close of the struggle witness was obliged to draw his "snaps " out and was nearly compelled to use them, At tbe police station two six‐chambered loaded revolvers (produced) were found on Herbert and Arthur Robinson. Cross‐examined : Cope said they had ordered tea at a cottage outride the grounds, but the police afterwards visited the cottage in question and found no tea had been ordered. The ticket collector informed the party they could get tea within the grounds.
P.C.
Woodrow gave corroborative evidence and added that one of the girls broke her parasol over his head. Police Superintendent Naylor deposed that while in one of the lodges he beard someone shouting " They are killing the police," and going out saw three persons assaulting Woodrow, while four were tackling Detective Britton, who had got a black eye and as bleeding. When they were taken to the police station Herbert said he was the younger brother of Sir Charles Warren, and he would teach the police for locking up the aristocracy. (Laughter.) Cross‐examined: From enquiries he had made witness believed all the prisoners were respectable people. P.C.
Bates gave evidence of teeing Cope and Bates at an earlier period in the afternoon molesting several respectable people at the festival. Mr Chesters, for the defence, said that Herbert and Arthur Robinson had ridden to Beeston from London on their bicycles, and they had been travelling night and day that accounted for the revolvers. Someone in London had told them that there were a great many tramps on the road and that they had better provide themselves with revolvers. They were clerks in a very respectable position. They went to Beeston Castle Festival, where they joined the other four prisoners, and having ordered tea somewhere out of the grounds they went to the gates asking for pass‐out checks, whereupon there was a rush, and the officers, who were (strange to say) in plain clothes, interfered. His contention was that his clients had a perfect right to go out of the grounds. There were two individuals there whom they did not know in plain clothes, and the prisoners were entitled to use such force thought proper in order to get outside. If that was so (and he held the law was quite dear that where a person was doing a legal act in a straightforward manner he had a perfect right to use such force when interfered with he thought proper) his clients were perfectly within their rights. The plain clothes officers had no more right according to the evidence to interfere with those men than be (Mr Chester) had.
James Coventry, fruiterer, Nantwich, who gave evidence for the defence, said the moment Mr Gardner stopped Cope , Detective Britton rushed at Cope, who had not given any cause for the onset. After the affair witness was allowed to go out, get tea, and come in again. The Bench fined the male prisoners 60s and costs each, and the females 20s and costs.
Cheshire Observer
Saturday 7 July 1888
A POLICE INSPECTOR'S MARITAL TROUBLES.
SINGULAR INDISCRETIONS.
At the Ashton‐under‐Lyne County Court, on Thursday, Judge Hughes was engaged for a considerable time in trying a case in which John Wildgoose was the plaintiff and Detective Inspector Britton, of the Cheshire Constabulary, the defendant. The action was to recover £3 14s 6d for the maintenance of the defendant’s wife, and the question for the court was whether the woman had been guilty of such conduct as freed her husband from liability for her maintenance. Mrs Britton stated that of late her husband's residence had bun at the police depot at Hoole, Cheshire. While together on the 28th Jan. last he accused her of undue familiarity with a Sergeant named Egerton, and turned her out. The witness was subjected by the defendant's solicitor — Mr Mostyn Roberts, of Chester — to a long cross‐examination. She denied that she ever made any admission of intimacy between herself and Egerton, and gave a series of negative answers to all the incidents suggested as capable of proof by her husband's witnesses. On the night of the 25th January she and Egerton were in the police office, which adjoined the house in which she and her husband lived. Egerton told her that her husband had got him removed, and that he denied the accusations made against him with reference to her. While they were speaking her husband, who had been concealed in one of the cells, came upon them and, snatching up a cutlass, chased her and Egerton into the street. It was not true that she and Egerton were embracing at that time. For the defence evidence was given by Sergeant Warburton, who is stationed at Hoole, and who stated that he witnessed several suspicious circumstances in the conduct of Egerton and Mrs Britton. Sarah Waring, a domestic servant in the defendant's employ, detailed circumstances connected with Egerton's visits daring the absence of the defendant. She had known Mrs Brittain and Egerton to be together for a considerable time in the sitting‐room, the doors of which communicating with the office on the one side and with the house on the other. Sergeant Leah, another police‐officer, stated that in a conversation with Mrs Britton he told her that Egerton bad admitted the charges made against him, and she said he was a coward, and added that the allegations were untrue. Defendant detailed the circumstances which aroused suspicion in his mind and the means he took to watch his wife and Egerton. He explained that he had not taken divorce proceedings because she had left him very heavily in debt. Egerton had since been dismissed the force by the Chief Constable. For the plaintiff it was admitted by Mr Whitworth that the evidence was all of a circumstantial character, and did not prove that the woman had been guilty of alleged misconduct. His Honour said he could not bold that such misconduct was proved, but this unhappy acquaintance, whether it was criminal or not, was certainly of a character which justified the husband to take the very strongest measures to terminate it. He did not, judging from a letter which bad been put in, think this will the case of an abandoned woman, but she bad behaved with the most scandalous indiscretion. There would be a verdict for the defendant.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 28 April 1888
EASTHAM
Extraordinary Charge or Imposture.
On Saturday, Police‐constable West, of the Wirral Constabulary, succeeded in taking into custody at Eastham a man who had been endeavouring to raise money for a bogus institution called "The Liverpool and Birkenhead Home for Invalids." It appears that in the early put of last week a detective officer from Liverpool called at Eastham and saw Constable West respecting a man named Hall, who was said to live at The Mount, Eastham. As The Mount is occupied by Mr Heath Harrison, West came to the conclusion that an imposition was being practised, and took steps to apprehend the person guilty of the supposed frauds.
The man giving the name of Hall had written to Baron de Worms soliciting a subscription on behalf of the institution purporting to have an existence at Morecambe Bay. The Baron suspected that the affair was not genuine, and communicated with the Liverpool police, and it was this that led to the apprehension of the alleged impostor.
Constable West made inquiries at the Eastham Post Office as to whether letters had been forwarded there, and having been informed that there had been, he watched the locality till Saturday, when at six o'clock in the evening a man called and got some letters. Upon leaving the post‐office, the man went into the Hooton Arms beer‐house, followed by West (disguised as a farmer), who charged him with being a begging‐letter impostor and with obtaining money by false pretences. The officer searched him and found in his possession a number of letters, one or which was from Baron de Worms, dated from the Colonial Office, in which the baron expressed his regret that owing to the many claims made upon him for charitable purposes, he was unable to send a donation to the Morecambe Institution. A letter from Mr B. C. Pullan, solicitor, Leeds, showed that that gentleman had sent a subscription of £1. Among other documents found upon the prisoner was a circular containing a detailed sketch of " The Liverpool and Birkenhead Home for Permanent Invalids," illustrated by a woodcut showing a massive and pretentious building, surmounted by a tower and flagstaff, the latter having on it the letters YMCA. The circular represented that "the institution was established and endowed by the late Mrs Egerton Smith, and that to make the home more complete it had been determined to add a library and other necessaries, including an extension of the grounds for the enjoyment of the patients, the additions causing an outlay of £3,790. This sum the trustees were desirous to meet before the building was opened. The establishment was represented to be beautifully situated a short distance from Morecambe Bay, and provided and arranged for forty patients. The committee of management had invited the Hon. Mrs Parker to perform the opening ceremony on the 7th May, and the leading and influential ladies and gentlemen of Liverpool and Birkenhead were invited to assist Mrs Parker on the occasion. All oheques were to be made payable to the treasurer, J. A. Willan, Esq." The list of subscriptions, given in the circular, contains the names of Albert John Smith, for £600; the Trustees, £500; the Misses Smith, £250 ; J. A. Willan, Esq , £100 ; the Hon. Mrs. Parker, £50; t he Misses Wilbraham, £21; and other amounts. Some of the letters which were addressed to the prisoner at Eastham had been, at his request, re‐directed to R. H. Hal), 10, Langsdalestreet, Soho‐street, Liverpool. The prisoner, who is about 45 years of age, has a shabby‐genteel appearance, and since his arrest has given the came of James Willman, and states that he belongs to Yorkshire. Before the county magistrates at Birkenhead on Monday, the accused was charged with having attempted to obtain money by false pretences from Baron H. de Worms, M.P., and others. The police alleged that there was no such home a was described in the documents ; and the prisoner was remanded for inquiries.
Cheshire Observer -Saturday 23 March 1889
Death of Mr Oldmeadow Cheshire constabulary
Mr George Edward Oldmeadow, the well‐known chief clerk of the Cheshire Constabulary, died rather suddenly at his residence in this city on Monday (19 St John Street Chester). For some little time past Mr Oldmeadow had suffered from dizziness, but he was able to appear on duty as late as Saturday week, and nothing serious was apprehended till last week, when his complaint developed into paralysis, to which he succumbed on Monday. The deceased official had held the post of chief clerk for the past thirty‐two years, and during all that time was located at the head office at Chester. From his position he was naturally well acquainted with every member of the force throughout the County, and for his earnest work in establishing a benefit society for the members of the constabulary, called "The Mutual Assurance Association, he was held in high regard by his confreres, both superiors and inferiors, who recently gave expression to their appreciation by the presentation of a silver tea service to Mr Oldmeadow in acknowledgment of the service he had rendered in the formation of the association. At the time of his death Mr Oldmeadow was sixty years of age.—
The funeral, which took place on Thursday morning, was largely attended by private friends of the deceased and representatives of the County The burial service was conducted by the Rev W. Oldfield and Rev I E. Page. The mourners included Mr George Oldmeadow, Mr Ernest Oldmeadow (sons), Messrs J. D. Bowers, S. Harris, Arthur H. Davies. G. E. Clarke, S. Harding, J. Moss, J. Ward Jones, W. F. Denson, F. F Denson' C. R. Cowap, Blayney, Graham, J. Mills, James, Superintendents Downes, Plant, Leah, Leighton, Large, Hindley, and Hollingworth ; Inspectors Oldham, Britton. O'Donnell, Meredith, Okell, and Atkins, and about 50 or 60 sergeants and constables from every division in tbe oounty. A profusion of wreaths covered the coffin, a particularly beautiful tribute being sent by the inspectors, sergeants, and constables of the head‐quarters division, with which the late Mr Oldmeadow was most intimately associated.
Cheshire Observer
Saturday 28 September 1889
RIOT AT OHESTER.
DESPERATE STRUGGLE WITH THE POLICE.
At Chester City Police Conrt, on Wednesday, before the Mayor (George Dutton, Esq.), C. Dutton, and W. Farish, Esqrs., George Chapman, a tall, powerful looking navvy, who resides at 7, Garden‐lane, was charged in custody with being drunk and refusing to quit licensed premises, and with assaulting three constables.
William White, landlord of the Union Vaults, Foregate Street, stated that prisoner entered his premises on the previous evening about seven o'clock, and in con sequence of his condition — not sober‐ ‐witness would not serve him. When asked to go out prisoner refused, and created a disturbance, whereupon witness sent for a Constable, and P.C. Salmon arriving on the scene ejected him. Prisoner was very violent outside, and objected to go with the constable.
P.C.
Salmon stated that he found prisoner viciously drunk. While assisting the landlord to eject prisoner witness had the collar of his tunic torn, being nearly choked, and outside prisoner tried to get away. He kicked witness several times, eventually throwing him down, and when help was obtained he also kicked at the assistants. In con‐sequence of sis injuries witness was off duty, and had received a certificate from the police surgeon, which the Chief Constable now read to the effect that he was unable to perform his duty on account of severe bruises and abrasions on the left knee. Continuing, witness said prisoner damaged his tunic and trousers. He fought like a madman, and made the fire fly from the pavement like a horse. P.C.
Hughes deposed to making his appearance on the scene of action when prisoner was fighting near the Bear's Paw. There was a disorderly crowd round him, and he kicked witness twice on the knees from which be felt stiff now. The street was full of people, and when the police had escorted prisoner as far as the Grosvenor colonnade he lay down exhausted, and they had to send for a truck. The Chief Constable here pointed out that tfe disturbance lasted nearly three‐quarters of an hour. The town was kept in a state of riot, not so much by the prisoner as the respectably dressed crowd who would have trodden him down. Proceeding, witness said the crowd was composed mostly of shop boys and the "mashers" of the town. (Laughter.) It was surging so that they had to protect prisoner from being trodden to death.
Deteotive Sergeant Gallagher said he caught prisoner under the Grosvenor oolonnade when he bad broken away from his captors owing to the help of the crowd. Witness noticed the crowd rushing upon them, and in trying to save prisoner from being trampled to death they were thrown down, and about 50 people passed over them. He estimated that come 1200 people were assembled there. Witness and several people round about him were assaulted. A man complained to him that be had received a severe out on the head from prisoner.
he Chief Constable remarked that prisoner had assaulted a number of people, and damaged several uniforms. He was not, however, charged with the last offence.
Mr Farish enquired where prisoner obtained his last drink, but the man could not give a satisfactory answer.
The magistrates fined prisoner 10s and costs, or in default 14 days' bard labour, for being drunk, and for assaulting the three Constables he was sentenced to 14 days' hard labour in each case. Prisoner, who appeared to treat the matter indifferently, uttered a defiant "Thank you " as he descended the steps.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 23 November 1889
CITY POLICE COURT.
Saturday. — Before the Mayor (J. Salmon, Esq.), W. Johnson, R. L. Barker, L. Gilbert, and
J. E. Edwards, Esqrs.
Two light‐weights named Peter Leek and John Lee, a ragman, were charged in custody with fighting. — P.C. Roe deposed that about four o'clock the previous after‐noon the prisoners were stripped and fighting on the canal towing‐path between the Nortbgate and King Charles's Tower. A large crowd congregated both on Northgate Bridge and on the towing‐path. Witness and an officer approached the combatants from opposite sides and secured them. There were three others backing them up and urging them to fight.— The Chief Constable (Mr Fenwiok) :It was not a glove fight ?— Witness : No.— Leek explained that they had had a drop of drink, and they went " to a nice quiet place" where nobody could see them. (Laughter.)— Mr Edwards: What were you fighting about ? — Leek : We had a drop of drink, and had a few words together, I suppose.— The Chief Constable explained that it was not a usual fight, and in the end the seconds began to fight. There were hundreds of people looking on both on the towing‐path and Northgate‐street. — Mr Gilbert : They stood a chance of a ducking. —Mr Fenwiok : It is a thousand pities they didn't get it. It is a long time since they had a ducking, I should think. (Laughter.)— Each of the prisoners was bound over to keep the peace for three months in his own recognisance of £5, and one surety of 50s. The alternative was 14 days hard labour.
Cheshire Observer -Saturday 6 April 1889
COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS. Saturday.— Before J. Thompson, J. Grace, Esqrs., and Rev E.
A. P. Campbell.
A Charge of Unlawful Wounding— Joseph Barrett, a respectable ‐looking engine driver, was brought up in custody on a charge of unlawfully wounding James Price, on March 29th.—
Police‐sergeant Pettingale, stationed on the Ship Canal, gave evidence to the effect that on the previous day, from information received, be went to the hospital at Ellesmere Port, where be saw the lad Price in bed with his left arm off at the shoulder, and his face also much out, and from what Price told him he apprehended the prisoner on a charge of assaulting and wounding Price.
Prisoner replied that be did strike the boy, but be did not intend to wound him; be was sorry for what had occurred. He (Pettingale) asked for a remand.—
John Rogers, a young Irishman, at work on the Ship Canal, gave evidence to tbe effect that on the previous morning, about half‐past six o'clock, he was in the "tumps " (which feed a stationary engine used for draining a portion of the works at the Canal) with the lad Price, who was engaged placing an india‐rubber feed‐pipe in position, when the driver (Barrett) came up and gave Price a slap on the side of the head. The effect of this was to knock the lad on the driving belt, and he was carried round the little spindle, going down along with the strap, causing the injuries be had received. In answer to the Bench the said prisoner did not seem to hit the lad very hard ; in fact he thought the accident occurred as much from the lad "ducking" to avoid the blow as anything.—
The case was remanded for a fortnight, the magistrates accepting bail, prisoner in his own recognisance of £10, and one surety (a brother engine‐driver) in a similar sum.
The poor youth, it may be added, was going on as well as could be expected at the time the case was heard, but of course his condition is a very critical one, and at the best it will be three months before be is able to appear.
Barrett seemed very sorry, and frequently expressed himself to that effect
Cheshire Observer -Saturday 30 November 1889
COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS. Saturday.— Before J. Thompson, J. Grace, R. T. Richardson, and B. C. Roberts, Esqrs., and the Hon Cecil T. Parker.
ANOTHER ASSAULT ON THE POLICE.—
Richard Wilding, a ganger and hut‐keeper on the Ship Canal, appeared in answer to a charge of assaulting P.C. Manley while in the execution of his duty at Ince. — Mr Brassey, who appeared for the defence, asked for a cross summons against Manley, which was granted. —
P.C. Manley said that from information received on the previous Sunday (the 17th inst.) with reference to the defendant and three other men, who had been seen at Dunham offering a duck and a turkey for sale, he went, in company with Police‐sergeant Pettingale, to the Wheelwright's Arms at Elton, where they saw the defendant with other men. One of the other men had something bulky in his pocket, and witness asked him what he had done with the duck he had been offering for sale that afternoon. He denied having any duck, and asked P.S. Pettingale to feel his pockets, and while Pettingale was doing so defendant made a rush at witness and struck him on the left eye, cutting it open. Wilding appeared to strike with his fist, but whether he had anything in his hand or not witness could not tell ; but it was a sharp cut, and witness was knocked insensible for about a minute, his eye bleeding very profusely. When be recovered he gave his cape to the publican, and defendant and witness had another scuffle outside the public‐house on witness trying to take him into custody, but in consequence of there being so many of the Ship Canal men present he was obliged to let Wilding go.—
P.S. Pettingale gave corroborative evidence. He was subjected to a severe cross‐examination by Mr Brassey, in the course of which he said defendant ordinarily, and so far as he knew, was a decent, quiet man, and he was sorry to see him in the position he was in. He tried all he could to quiet him while he was searching the other man (Gladin).
— The landlord of the house also gave corroborative evidence. — The cross‐summons was practically the defence in the case, and Mr Brassey, on that behalf, submitted that defendant, who was a respectable man in his position, and his companions were quietly sitting down at the public‐house when the officers came in. He urged that the officers exceeded their duty in searching the men without reasonable ground for suspicion. Defendant owned to striking the Constable, but it was not before he had pushed him (Wilding) about and struck him first on the head with his stick. It was, moreover, doubtful whether the defendant was the man who struck Manley at all.—
Wilding and other witnesses having given evidenoe, the Bench, after a short retirement, inflicted a fine of 20s and costs. They dismissed the cross‐summons ; and the Chairman observed that— although it did not arise out of this case— there were a great many complaints of the disorderly conduot of the navvies in the locality, and it would not be tolerated.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 12 October 1889
TRAGEDY AT KNUTSFORD.
ATTEMPTED MURDER AND SUICIDE.
Considerable excitement was caused at Knutsford on Wednesday morning by a tragedy of a kind very unusual in the locality. Troop Sergeant Major Carter, of the Tatton Troop of Yeomanry, returned from the annual training at Aldershot on Tuesday evening to attend a ball which was to be given on Wednesday night by the major of the troop, Mr Alan Egerton.
He had been strange in his manner for some time, but on Tuesday appeared unusually well, and greeted his wife very affectionately. The couple retired early, but about two o'clock Carter got up and fetched a loaded carbine, which he pointed at her. She seized the weapon and struggled with him, but as she was escaping down stairs he fired at her. The bullet whizzed put her head and she ran out to some neighbours. Directly after getting out she heard another report, and on some friends going into the house the husband was found lying on the floor of the bedroom with a bullet wound through his head. He died immediately afterwards. The bullet bad passed through the head and lodged in tbe ceiling. The deceased was in his 40th year. Mrs Carter, who has been twice married, is about the same age.
Another correspondent states that Carter was met by his wife on his return to Knutsford about 20 minutes past eight on Tuesday evening. Mrs Carter noticed that be was exceedingly quiet, but he made little or no remark about his health. He retired to rest about half‐past ten, and after remaining in bed some time went into a back room. About half‐past twelve he again went into the room, and returned with a carbine, which he pointed at her head. Jumping out of bed, she tried to take the carbine from him, and screamed, and he seized her by the throat and said he was going himself and would do for her.
In a stale of alarm she ran down stairs, when be followed her, and fired just as she got out of the door. She then heard a second shot, and ran to a grown‐up son living near, who got the assistance of Sergeant Dodd, of the Cheshire Constabulary.
On going upstairs to a room where arms, were kept, they found Carter lying in a pool of blood quite dead. A portion of his jaw was blown away, and the bullet had gone through his head and through the ceiling. On the ceiling were marks of blood.
Carter had been in ill‐health for a considerable time, and this no doubt preyed upon his mind.
The Tattoo troop ball, which was to have been held at the Royal George on Wednesday evening, was postponed owing to the sad event.
Mrs Carter states that her husband went a week last Monday to Aldershot for the purpose of going through a month's instruction. After remaining a few days he became ill mad unfitted for duty, and the Doctor advised him to return home. He got to Knutsford at 20 minutes past eight on Tuesday evening, and she met him at the station. She proceeded: "We went home, and he had some tea. He seemed quieter than usual, but nothing out of the way. He unpacked his box, and I asked him if he would go to bed. He said, 'Not just yet.' He went to bed about half‐past ten. He had not been in bed long before be said he wanted to get up to go to the back room. He went to the room, and afterwards came to bad for about half‐an‐hour, when he again got up. About half‐past twelve be went to the back room again. He returned with a carbine in his hand, which he pointed right in my face. I jumped out of bed and took it from him, and screamed. He told me he would not do any more if I would not make any noise. He then caught me by the throat and said he was going himself and he was going to do for me. He went to the back of the room door, and said he was going to put the carbine down. I then came downstairs and unfastened the door. He said, "Don't go out; I wont hurt you." I went out and shut the door after me and saw him through the glass of the door coming downstairs with the carbine in his hand. I went out at the gate, and heard the door open. I had gone a few yards and he fired at me. I ran round the corner and heard another shot, but I could not say whether in or out of doors. I then went to my son, who lives in lodgings in Love Lane, and asked him to go back with me, as I thought my husband had shot himself."
Cheshire Observer -Saturday 6 April 1889
SAVAGE ASSAULT UPON A CONSTABLE AT NESTON.
LENIENT SENTENCES.
At the Neston Petty Sessions, on Thursday evening, before T. Comber and R. Bushell, Esqrs., six prisoners were brought up in custody charged with being concerned in an affray which took place in Liverpool‐road, Neston, on Tuesday afternoon. The affair appears to have been one of the most serious which taken place in Neston for some years, and the Court was densely crowded with spectators.
Patrick Ryan, Catherine Ryan ( wife of Patrick Ryan), and Thomas Price alias Priest, were charged with assaulting P.C. Beech while in the execution of his duty. John Williams, Rose Ryan (mother of Patrick Ryan) and Richard Meadows junr., were charged with siding and abetting the offence
P.C. Beech stated that about 3.30 p.m. on Tuesday he was on duty in Liverpool‐road, Neston, and the prisoner Patrick Ryan came to him and asked him to receive some clothing which had been put in his doorway. Witness refused to do so, and the prisoner then went back and tore the clothing up. The prisoner Williams tried to stop Ryan from tearing the clothes. Ryan then said, "Go away, you *******policeman, and we won't have to pay for them after‐wards." Ryan again came to witness and asked him to remove the clothing which had been torn up, but did not assign any reason for making the request. Witness refused, and Ryan than seized him by the collar of the coat, and butted him several times with his head. Witness closed with him, and they fell to the ground. At this point Catherine Ryan came up and commenced to beat witness on the face with her fist. Witness noticed William McDowell, the landlord of the Malt Shovel Inn, standing at his door, and called upon him for assistance. McDowell came, and they tried to put the handcuffs on Ryan while he was on the floor. The prisoner Thomas Price then ran at witness and kicked him in the groin. (Prisoner Price: " No, I did not.") With the assistance of McDowell witness got Ryan on his feat. The prisoners Williams and Meadows than caught hold of Ryan and pulled him away from witness, Williams at the same time calling out "Don't go, Pat." Witness made another attempt to arrest him, and Rose Ryan (the mother) caught hold of him by the waist. Witness (hen called upon John Byrne for assistance. Byrne prevented Price from further kicking him. Williams at this time was tripping McDowell. As witness was rising from the ground Price took a running kick at him, and the prisoner, Pat Ryan, seized him by the collar and butted him under the chin. Catherine Ryan beat witness in the face while he was down. (Catherine Ryan: I should think l am not big enough.) Witness added that he had suffered severely from the effects of the usage had received. His coat was damaged to the amount of 2s, and his watch was damaged by a kick to the extent of 3s. By the Bench: Ryan had had drink, but was not drunk. The other prisoners were not drunk. By the prisoners: Witness was not choking Ryan, and Ryan was bleeding from the nose, and not from the mouth and ears. —
Wm. McDowell gave corroborative evidence. He could not speak as to who committed the assaults, but he saw the prisoners in the crowd. Prisoner Catherine Ryan: "Did I knock you down" Witness: "I think you were the instigator of it."
John Bryne stated that be tried to keep the crowd back from pressing on the officer.
Mary Ellen Jones, wife of Police Sergeant Jones (who appears to have behaved in a very plucky manner) stated that on the day in question she was in the back yard of the police station when she heard loud screaming and shouting in Liverpool‐road. She went out and saw P.c. Beech trying to place the handcuffs upon Ryan. They were on the ground, and McDowell was assisting the officer. The prisoner Catherine Ryan was upon McDowell's back, and was "punching" him in the mouth; McDowell was bleeding freely. The prisoner Price was running, jumping, and attempting to kick, and his (Price'a) sister was attempting to keep him back. Witness saw Pat Ryan take hold of the constable's legs and throw him down. "Kate" Ryan then left McDowell, and, jumping on the constable's back, began to punch him in the mouth. Witness took hold of her and pulled her away, remarking, "You'll be sorry for this." She (prisoner) turned around, pushed her fists in witness's face, and exclaimed, "You are not the *******sergeant." The handcuffs slipped from Ryan's bands, and Kate Ryan, Meadows, and Price took hold of him and pulled him away. Witness asked several to assist the officer, and the prisoner Williams prevented them. By Catherine Ryan: I saw you go their backs. You were jumping from one to the other like a mad woman.
Alice Meadows, Mary Ellen Lewis and Mary Davies gave evidence on behalf of the prisoners, which did not materially rebut the evidence of the prosecution.
The Bench dismissed the charge against Richard Meadows, John Williams, and Rose Ryan, and sentenced the prisoner Patrick Ryan to two months' imprisonment with bard labour. Thos Price was ordered to pay 10s and costs (26s 5d in all), and Catherine Ryan was fined 5s and costs— 20s 5d in all. Patrick Ryan, who has just completed two months for an assault, begged earnestly that the Bench would give him another chance by inflicting a fine, but without effect.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 4 May 1889
NESTON.
Suspicious Characters at the Races.—
At the Neston Petty Sessions, on Saturday evening, before T. Comber and R. Bushell, Esqrs.,
Mathew Mallon and John O'Hare were charged with stealing a paddock ticket, value 5s at the Wirral Racehorse, on the same afternoon. Police‐sergeant Doyle, of Winsford, who had bean on duty in plain clothes, and James Richard Cowan, a Liverpool detective, having given evidence, Mallon was rent to prison for 14 days, with hard labour, and O'Hare was discharged.
John T. Manley and Albert Simpson were next charged with frequenting with intent to commit a felony. Detective Inspector Brittain, of Chester and Sergeant Doyle, gave evidence to the suspicious movements of the prisoner, and a detective from Birmingham stated that he knew the prisoners to be tbieves and the associates of thieves. He saw them at the Tarporley Racecourse, and they at once decamped on catching sight of him.
he case was dismissed