The Express.
London, England, 1851-07-29 00:00:00

ASSIZE INTELLIGBNCB.

NORFOLK ClRCUlT.—Nonwicif, JULY 28.
Mr. Justice Cressee:l took his seat this morning at 9
o'clock.
THE MURDER AT BURNHAM THORP.
Henry Groom, aged 12. was chanted with having on the
4th July, at Burnham Thorp, murdered John Ayton. Ile
I pleaded not guilty.
' Samuel Shellabert deposed that he was ones clerk to
Loed Leicester, at Holkham, and had known the prisoner
for about 9 years. He had daring all that time been a
labourer on the earl's estate, and at the time of the murder
he was employed levelling the ground by the monument.
'llll4mose had known Ayton 18 asonthsi be was superin•
Iniont of the Peterstone and Holkhain Brickground, and
the labourers on that ground every alternate Friday.
had the money from the Holkham olBeeevery
, between 11 and 1 o'clock. lie had latterly always
Ono a donkey-cart. His practice was well known. On
Fdday, July 4, Ayton came as usual for his money, with
Na donkey and cart, between 12 and a Tarter past. Wit-
nee paid him 2.14. be. 6d., in a 51. note, us. &L in silver, and
the )sist in sovereigns and half rorereigus.
Harrison Savory, a little buy, stated—l remember, on the
4th of July last, being on a visit to my uncle, Mr. Doggett,
of Peterstone. On that afternoon I went from my uncle's
house to a field where the men were hoeing turnips. About
noontime I hail seen the prisoner near the Sandpit-gate.
When I left my uncle's it was 24 minutes past one. I know
the planting where the sandpit is. It is on the opposite
side of the way to the turnip field. I went into the planting
imi mw a 111111 lying in the sandpit, on his face. He ap-
=Lto be sleeping. I went through the planting to a
K and told the men at work there what I had seen.
I nibermands went to the field again, at about half-past five.
Maid there a man named Yarham; came to the field and
elevated. I and the men then ran to him, and then went to
the sandpit, and found the man lying on the spot where 1
hed mesa him. The man was Ayten. He was dead.
Kemp stated—l am the bead man in Mr. Doggett's
dialltittentone. On Friday, July 4, I was at work in a
MI (Wheat adjoining the sandpit plantation, and had mea-
ds.' to leave the field to go to my master's. It was about
flee minutes past 12 when I passed through the sandpit
plowtation irate. I saw a man sitting at the mouth of the
ambit. That's the man (pointing at the prisoner). I had
seenhim, in the early part of March, working in that pit.
I asked him whether he was casting sand. I understood
him "Yes." I then went on to my master's. I returned
within a quarter and twenty minutes after 12, and again
passed through the sandpit. The prisoner was then on the
opposite side, standing against an ash tree. Whilst in the
beet field, about half-past 1, I heard the report of a fire arm,
but could not tell from what direction the sound came.
Savory came to the field about two, and Yarham idiot half-
past five. I accompanied Yartinm to the sandpit, and there
saw John Ayton lying dead on his left side. There is a gate
from the Burnham-road to the sandpit plantation, and a
roadway from that gate to the bottom of the sandpit. The
body lay 21 yards from the gate, on the left side of the
roadway. The , 's of the dead man were examined in

r. • pockets
my preience. No money and no watch were found. There
wAs a wound on the back of Ayton's head. His hat lay on
the side of his head.

The prisoner admitted that he did see the witnen.
Charles Tatham said—l am the head team man in Mr.
Daggett's farm. On the 4th July I was hone hoeing in a
field opposite the sandpit. I saw a donkey and cart on the
road about half-put 1. There was no driver. The donkey
wall near Mr. I)oggett's hone pit, about 500 yards from the
west lodge gate, and some 200 or 300 yards from the sand-
pit. lle tied the donkey to a gate near the sandpit. In
the afternoon, about half-past five, I saw the donkey and cart
still there. I knew whose donkey and cart they were. They
belonged to John Ayton.
Several witnesses were next examined, who proved that
before and subsequent to the time at which the murder was
committed, they saw the prisoner in the neighbourhood of
the sandpit, and the prisoner admitted the truth of their
statements.
Charles Hazleton said—l am a gardener living in Burnt-
street Wells. The prisoner is my son-in-law. In the
beginning of this month he was living with me. On Fri-
day, the 4th, 1 had a pistol in my house, which was usually
kept on the window of the lower room. I used it about
half-past 4 that morning, and after I had fired it I carried
it in and put it in its place. I did not see the prisoner after
tint till night. I went out from 9 till 12, and from 2 till
half-past sor 6. Just before I went out at 9 I looked for
the pistol and could not find it. I did not look for it again
at soon, but I saw it in the usual place when I came home
in the evening. The prisoner had two children, ono four
peen and the other one year old.
George Lambley, police-officer, deposed—l live at Wells.
On the afternoon of Friday, the 4th, I went to Holkham,
and received some information there. I returned to Wells
▪ Res evening, and apprehended the prisoner about Ult-
ra 7, at his father-in-law's house. I naked him if his
nom was Henry Groom. He looked about, and his
illowstenance changed very much, and he replied
Fes." I said nothing, except that I wanted
lila to woe with me. I then took him towards
say own house. I asked hint where he had been
to Minh. He said he had been very unwell, and had not
Yak premises. I met Roberts, another police officer,
adhim into his charge. I then went hack and
the prisoner's house. In the bedroom I found a
frank, locked, under the bed. Below stairs I found a paw
illty of powder and shot in a bureau. At the foot of the
ksa in the lower room I found a clothes basket, with a der
in it, covered over with dirty linen. I produce the dep.
When I found it there was a spot of fresh blood upon it. I
then returned to my own house and found the prisoner
there. I Wand in the prisoner's trousers pocket a nankeen
puree, in which was two shillings, a fourpenny piece, four
halfpence, and a U. note of Gurney's hank. There was
also a key, which I gave to Roberts. The prisoner said he
had picked the note up in the road in Wells a fortnight pre-
vious. 1 told him the charge, and he said at first "I don't
know Ayton." I said " Don't you ?" He then said "I
know nothing about it."
Robert Roberts, police-officer, said—l went to Wells on
the evening of Friday, the 4th of this month. Limbic,
gave the prisoner into my charge. I took off his trousers
end obsevred a small spot or two of blood on the right leg.
Lambley gave me a key, and I went with it to the pn-
sneer's house. I searched a box which this key unlocked,
end under some clothes I found a watch (produced). In
the pocket of a coat which was also in the trunk I found a
puree, containing twelve half-sovereigns and fifteen Paw
reigns. The haltsovereigns were wrapped up in a piece eel
paper, which I produce. I found in the coalhouse a can-
vas bag, with a strap attacked, which 1 have here. The
watch was not going, but was stopped at a quarter past
two.
Robert Spicer, a constable, of Burnham Westgate—l
went to Wells with Lambley on the 4th. I remained in
ute prteoner's house when Lambley took him away. I
found a pistol behind a box ou the window-frame. I pro-
duce it.
Thomas Frost—l am a publican, living at Wells, and
know the prisoner. He came to me on the afternoon of the
4th, between three and four o'clock. He asked for a pint
of beer, and paid me for it, and paid for four he had before
and some tobacco. Ile asked me to change a note, throwing
a note upon the table. I looked at it, but could not change
it. This Dots is a great deal like it, but I cannot swear it
is the same. I believe the note he showed me was a
U. note.
Robert Hall—l ant a whitesmith, at Wells. I know the
prisoner. lie came to me on the 4th, at about 20 minutes
before Sin the afternoon, with a lock. This lock is the
same. Ito asked me to repair it directly. I put it right
for him:while he waited, and he then took it away with him.
The prisoner—l took the lock to him, and be did it
for me.
Robert Moore—l am a police officer at Docking. I went
to the house of John Ayton, on the sth, at Burnham Overy.
I saw the dead body, with the clothes on. I took some
papers from the pocket, which I produce. I produce the
dead man's hat ; there is a hole in the back part of it.
Mr. Shellabear recalled—l am well acquainted with
Ayton's writing. The paper produced by last witness is
in his handwriting. This paper (in which the half-son-
reigns were found wrapped) is also in Ayton's writing.
The two papers, when placed together, leave no doubt on
my mind that they once formed one piece. In the case
of the watch I find some papers, on one of which is some
of Aytoa's writing. I believe this note to be that which I
paid to Anon. The red ink mark is in the same place as
the mark on the note which I paid away.
Rosetta Ayton—l am the widow of John Ayton. I be-
lieve this to have been my husband's watch. He has had
It at least three years. I have frequently had it in my own
bands. lie sent it once to Mr. Woodrow's, of Norwich, to
be eepsdred. This muse was my husband's; I made it my-
and I know my own work.
Man Robinson—l work on the Holkham estate. I live
at Wells. The prisoner, about a month before the murder,
told me Mr. Ayton bad behaved very unkindly to him, but
It would come home to him some day or other, and he
(Ayton) ought to be shot.
By the prisoner—You did not say that you would shoot
him.
James Young—l am a surgeon living at Wells. On
Friday, July 4, I was pawing the sandpit plantation about
one o'clock, when I saw the prison.. I lad known him
before. He was at the pie leading dews to the pit. On
Saturday, the 6th, I nada a post meet= araininatlen of
Ayton. Hound • wound ea the beck pet et Ike ImaiL I
opened the head and food fa It a hap of bad sad a quan-
tity of No. 4 shot, and some fractured Sem of bans. It
was evidently a gunshot wound. A &W ow tris tby
plied would produce suck a wound. That wound would
tram iwiliwimeoes death.
v ikokkikanw—l saw him go past, but he did not see a
Cx_iy band.
No.
NB was the case for the prosecution.
The prisoner offered no defence, and his lordship having
wwy minutely slammed up the evidence, the jury at ones
band the prisoner Guilty of inufai murder.
His lordship then paned sentence of death on the prisoner,
holding out no hope of merry. He characterised the MOW-
sination as one of the most deliberate, cold-blooded, and
Calculating crimes which it had ever been his painful duty
to try.
The prisoner was then removed, appearing in no way af-
fected by his awful position.
OnmelllM—Strou ems Lean emu Buoy MOD • SPLCIAL 'VIT.
BALDI3O r. ELLI/.—ISSOIL

OXFORD CIRCUIT.--STArroaD, leer 28.
lit. Baron Marti& hu been occupied to-day in the trial
of burglaries, cams of stabbiag, and other offences of that
character, but none of theta poesersed features of peculiar

-11;the Nisi Pries Caul, Mr. Justice Erie and a special
t=aB: laselammr: the entire day in trying an
kit whist 111111111 proms for molest-
ley amd leisegarlap with the workers la the employ of
• Mow lamed reap sad Co., tin-plate workers, the pus.-
' pen Wog he theystemeaten into a pr neral advance
-et yeses. The ere I. of rusitaaselvrtancv, but as the pro-
mulgate cess bed Dot t at the time this was
' the report is deferred eatil to-morrow.
lie me lime sass isdietsmati arising out of this eon-
= but it is awned that ems of them will be with-

The ease for the plaintiff in thiscause wee proceeded with,
and wee closed at twelve o'clock, but that for the defend-
ant was not closed when the court adjourned.

MIDLAND CIRCUIT.—Dmunr, JULY 28.
BMA, Ma. SAW* PAtec AND A easel L JtAT.
BLATT r. MIDLAND RAILWAY COMPANY.—Tur ACCIDIINT
AT CLAT-CROSI STATION.
The was as action brought by the plaintiff to recover
al rfor the death of her husband, from injuries re-
os Übe Mal line.

THE EXPRESS, TUESDAY EVENING JULY, 29, 1851.

In this case Mrs. Ellen Blake, administratilx to the late
John Blake, was the plaintiff, nod the Midland Railway
Company were the defendants. The declaration ',tacit that
John lilike in his lifetime was a passenger on the Midland
Railway from Birmingham to Sheffield, and from want of
due care and diligence he was killed. The damages were
laid at 10,0001. The defendants pleaded that they were not
ilt
Mr. Mellor stated the ease, detailing the circumstances
under which the accident at the Clay-cross station took
place, and the nature of the fatal injunes received by de-
ceased. Some observations respecting the amount of da-
mage. which were made by the learned gentleman on the
opening of his address led to a discussion which terminated
in an arrangement that the case should be gone into only in
a pecuniary genes. Respecting the question of damages he
said that would be a matter entirely for their consideration.
Be was certain they would find it their duty to indemnify
Mrs. Blake and give her sufficient damages for the irreparable
loss she had sustained. Mr. Blake had a very handsome
house, worth 2,0001., handsomely furnished, which was
worth 6001. more. This was freehold, but it was mortgaged
to the extent of 1,0001. Now, according to estimates, it
appears that a man's life in good health at the age of 34 is
worth 31 years. They must also bear in mind that Mr.
Blake having died intestate his property went to his brother
as heir-at-law. Mr. Blake was also entitled to a fourth
share in " slack works" at Sheffield, which was adequate
to 1001. per annum. Ile had also 100 shares in the Shef-
field Union Bank, which were worth 121. each. Mr. Blake
had been married before, and with his wife he had get a
very handsome fortune, about 8,0001. Ile entered into
partnership in the Sheffield trade with a Mr. Parker in
181.5. They began in a comparatively small way compared
with many other houses, but they turned overlsst year be-
tween 30,0001. and 40,0001. They were about extending their
trade in the American market. Out of this business alto-
gether he received about 2401. per annum. The learned
counsel concluded by making an earnest appeal to the jury,
after which several witnesses were called, who proved what
Mr. Blake's effects and business were worth.
Mr. llumfrey addressed the jury on behalf of the dr
fendants.—His lordship having summed up,
The jury, after an hour's deliberation, returned into
court with a verdict for the plaintiff—damages, 4,000/.

1).1ILY WEATHER TABLE.
TUESDAY, JOLT 29, 18.51.
midi of the following plum at
morning. Tim Nations am

The State of the Weather at
Nine o'clock yesterday
arranged in order of latittn
Ikrie et Rah I bry.:24 I

POOL.

WOaC.STft

Sanwa*
1 Humes

Woczaras... .
BIWA'S& .......
WitENWICII
OaVOIAP ......

I.w.

Brasov

Baasoor
NRIVMAIZET

STANFORD
WoLvarrom

Y*aon■ -- ....

Nolan=
Limns& .....
Minium ....

eicreaC—.Oi
W

B.W.
B.W.
B.W.
P.W.

Sum Breese
Moog arena
Straw lrefle
Genfle Crease
Calm

Straw Breese

B.E.

WAY.
&W.
N.C.
B.W.
S.W.
II W.

Gentle B vest

6:AV.
B.W.
E.

Mambo
CosiwAT

C OWN 031.11T,-821,01. Ml.
William Melton, the driver of the goods train at the
Cloy-cross accident, and who was indicted for manslaughter,

IiOLTIBILAD
CD•rma

NORTH WALES CIRCUIT.--CARNARVON, JULY 28.
The learned judge of assize arrived in this Lamson Satur-
day evening, when the commission was opened. The court
opened this morning fur despatch of business, which was
concluded this afternoon. The judge congratulated the
grand jury, as he had done those of Montgomeryshire and
Merionethshire, upon the paucity of crime, there being in
this instance, as in the others, only two criminal cases fur
adjudication, and one civil cause, neither of which ,was of
any public importance.

Hvu—
Liam
Toss

wmn ---.........~

. .
411'..P ....
Newcons

B.ATMCII
Brawl=
ClLAsoew

P.w.

N.W.
B.W.

ivi.

EL
NW.

N.E.
W.S.W.

Wow 13miss

R.S.R.
B.W.
8.8. W.
B.W.

Suile Y: Washer.

Cloody
Cloudy
Clout!?

Cloadj
Porta Closely

Psztlally Cloudy
Rain
Overawe
°wort
CPIWOOSI
Cloudy
Cloudy
Cloudy
Owing
Cloudy

--ae,iiii
Carly
Isla
Sabi
Compast

Gentle rircese
Gentle Wets.

Closely
Stormy
IL.
In
Neat Sala
Cloady
I aril,

Strong Breese

Gentle Breese

Gestle Maw 11
Strom; CrecEe

ii:W.

4:*.

lila—
assiy
&azßain
Cloudy

ofeitiy—
Baia
Very Huy
Cloudy
Moody
=es _

Partially CkAdy
Pins
Pin.
Cloudy
Fins.

o7iTt
slight 8010
Cloudy
Cloudy

a7,iii
(Nereid
Partially Coady
Bain
Very dna
data
Baia
Fine
cloudy

:8 DAY, Nowt.
Wats of the Weather.