The Express.
London, England, 1867-07-22 00:00:00

ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE.

HOME CIRCUIT.-CHELMSP/RD, JULY 20.
THE MURDER AT DAGENHAM.

Ja.dri &semi, 24, a respectable•lookic labourer. was
charged upon an indictment, and also by the coroner's in.
quisition, with the wilful murder of his wife, Sarah Ann••
Bacon, by stabbing her in the thro..t with a knife on the
tOith of March.

Mr. F.. 1. Smith prosecute!: and the prisoner was dr.
fended by ierjeant Parry (who was specially retained) and
Mr. t.ril6n.

The learned counsel for the prosecution, in opening the
case to the jury, described it as one of a most painful and
distressing character, the prisoner being charged with thi•
wilful murder of his wife, a young woman about his own
age. They were married about three years ago, and for
some time they lived very happily together, but owing to
the deceased getting into debt without his knowledge, and
neglecting hi. children, to whom he was fondly attached.
the prisoner appeared to have repeatedly made complaints,
and there was no doubt that be was driven to a state of
excitement and anger against theunfortunote woman, and,
antler the induence of those feelings, he took away her life.
It was admitted by all the witnesses that the prisoner
was in a most depressed state on the day when the murder
was committed, and that he exclaimed to one of them that
Is would willingly give five shillings to anyone who would
strike his head off at a blow. It alio appeared that wi!en
be surrendered himself to a police-constable and told him
what he hail done. and was cautioned to be careful what he
said. as it would be used against him, he replied that he
was aware of that, and that he was ready to suffer for what
he had done. He also told the constable that no one could
imagine what he had had to bear for the hurt month. The
prisoner subsequently said he was so lull of grief that he
could not eat anything, and he burst into a dood of tears.
exclaiming, " I hope to God I have not killed her ; but I
WI afraid I have, as I used the knife." After it had been
ascertained that the deceased was dead, sad the charge
was read over to him, he said, " I did not think it would
have come to that."

The jury, after deliberating for about ten minutes.
found the prisoner guilty of murder, but strongly recom-
mended him to mercy on account of his good character
and the circumstances under which the crime was com-
mitted.

Baron Martin having assumed the black tap, addressed
the prisoner, and said that the jury had returned the only
verdict they legally could do under the circumstances, and
every one acquainted with the law of England must know
that the offence was murder and nothing else. They had,
however, recommended him to mercy, and be entirely con-
curred in that recommendation, and would at once forward
it to the proper quarter, and would support it, and be
had no doubt it would receive full consideration at the
bands of her Majesty's advisers. The learned judge, who
was much affected, then proceeded to pass sentence of
death in the usual form.

The prisoner. who bad exhibited a great deal of emotion
during the trial, addressed the judge and jury, and said,
" I thank you, gentlemen," and he was then removed.
It was stated that his po.ition had created so much
sympathy in the neighbourhood that the gentry and prin-
cipal tradesmen hail subscribed a sufficient sum for his
defence.

THE POLICE COURT&
_ 0_ UILDHALL.

Jolt's Saunders, a labourer, without any home, was
again brought before Alderman Stone, charged with
threatening to take the life of Yrs. Pinkerton, a respect-
able married woman.

Mr. Ring appeared for the complainant.
It may he remembered that about a fortnight ago the
prisoner was brought to this court on the ►bove charge.
and then declared his belief that if he were nut put under
restraint be should carry his threat into execution. He
bad lodged with Mr. and Mrs. Pinkerton about fifteen
years ago, and became violently enamoured of the lady ;
but his attentions were of course repulsed, and hence his
determination to murder her. The prisoner was examined
by the surgeon at Newgate, and certified to b.., insane ; and
in consequence, be was sent to the union to be taken care
of in the parochial lunatic asylum. The medical officers of
that establiahment bad, however, decided that be was net
insane, and he was, in accordance with instructions, sent
back to this court to be dealt with. On his way to the
court be told the officer that be would certainly murder
Mrs. Pinkerton when be could get the opportunity.
Alderman Stone remanded him.