The Sun.
London, England, 1837-03-29 00:00:00

with having threatened the life of his wife, Mrs. Mary Ann
Downes, of No. 8, Bidborough-street, Brunswick-square,
and with wilfully damaging her property under the follow-
ing extraordinary circumstances :—The defendant was
under the excitement of liquor whilst before the Magis-
trate, and Mrs. Downes not having made her appearance
by the time when the case was called on, he was dis-
charged, and he was leaving the office when Inspector
Campbell informed Mr. BENNETT that on searching the
defendant two 101. notes were folind in his possession, which
were ordered to be delivered up to him, and he carelessly
put them into his pocket, and departed.
Shortly afterwards Mrs. Downes, a tall well-looking wo-
man, entered the office with a male friend, in great-excite-
ment, and with breathless haste ; and, on its being inti-
mated that her husband was discharged, she expressed her
astonishment, and insisted on having an interview with the
Magistrate, and she forced her way into the presence of
Mr. Bennett, and inquired why he was discharged ?
Mr. BENNETT informed her that she was Coo late, and
he was discharged in consequence of her absence.
Mrs. Downes, confusedly, said her life was in danger,
and she could not return to her residence, where an out-
rage had been perpetrated by her husband, unless she was
protected.
Mr. BENNETT said if he was in the neighbourhood of
the office he should be brought back, and he ordered the
officers to go in pursuit of him, which they did, and in less
than a minute he was again placed before the Bench.
Nesbit, the officer, administered the usual oath, " To
speak the truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God."
Mrs. Downes (exceedingly confused and excited)—
What ! am Ito say, so help me God ? Nesbit—Yes.
Mrs. Dowries (kissing the book)—So help me God I will
speak the truth.
She then stated, that in the afternoon she had occasion
to proceed to the city on business, and, on her return,
about three o'clock, she found the defendant in her house,
conducting himself in a most violent manner, breaking every
valuable article in the place. He had turned her servant
out, and the whole property, consisting of looking-glasses,
frames, pictures, vases, ornaments, furniture of every de-
scription, and even silver spoons, &c. was broken up. The
place was literally strewed with fragments of the destroyed
property ; and he had opened her box, containing two 10/.
notes, which she had deposited there towards the payment
of her rent, which were taken out by the defendant, and
not a vestige of anything was left, and he swore that
he would have her life. She ran away in a state of alarm
and called in the police to her assistance, and gave him
into custody.
Mr. BENNETT (to the defendant)—What is your answer
to this ? Defendant (lifting up his eyes, and thumping the
table with both hands, exclaimed emphatically)—My answer
is a broken heart.

Mr. BENNETT inquired of Mrs. Downes whether she
could undertake to swear that she went in bodily fear
from her husband's violence and threats ?—She replied in
the affirmative.

Mr. BENNETT said she should be protected, and he or.
dered him to find bail.

A gentleman here offered himself as bail, saying he was
Mr. Headon,coachbuilder, of Richmond, and begged to know
the nature of the bail.

Mr. BENNETT—TWO housekeepers in 201. each.

Mr. Headon—Then I shall decline. I have seen the
damage done to the property, which is, at least, 1501.'s
worth ; and if such conduct is repeated, I must forfeit my
recognizances. _ _ _

Mr. BENNETT—Certainly so.
Mrs. Downes requested that the defendant might be or-
dered to restore to her the two M. notes, which were own
property, and she had received them under a legal deed of
separation from her husband.
Mr. Headon had cashed a bill fur her, end t'aey were I er
property. _ _ _

Mr. BENNErer thought, in justice, they ought to be re-
stored to her, if he (defendant) was conscious that they be-
longed to. her.
Mr. Dotvires hesitated, but et entually• banded her over
the money.
Mr. Downes, who seemed very much affected during the
proceedings, was incarcerated until the production of bail,
anti the parties quitted the office.