The Sun.
London, England, 1862-09-26 00:00:00

MR. TVINDH4.III AND HIS WIFE.

Mr. W. F. Windham, aged 22, was placed in the
dock at the Hammersmith police-court, yesterday,
before Mr. Dayman, charged on a warrant granted
by Mr. Ingham on Wednesday with threatening to
cut his wife's throat, whereby she went in bodily
fear.

Mr. Lewis, of Great Marlborou., h-street, appeared
on behalf of the complainant; Mr. Windham, who
had been brought from Windsor by Acres, one of
the warrant officers of the Court, was undefended.

Mrs. Ann Agnes Windham was sworn, and said
she resided at No. 3A, Westbourne-terrace, Pad-
dington, with her husband. Two gentlemen, whom
her husband had invited at Boulogne, had been
staying with them. She never had the pleasure of
seeing the gentlemen before. On Tuesday night
she went out with the two gentlemen with the con-
sent of her husband, who was aware of her going
out with them. They returned home at a quarter-
past 12 o'clock. Shortly afterwards she retired to
her room, her husband having previously wished
her good night. About a quarter of an hour after-
wards she heard her husband outside her room
door. The two gentlemen were in their bedrooms.
She heard her husband using violent threats. He
said that he was determined to shed the blood of
all three, and that he would take one of their (the
gentlemen's) lives. She called out to the gentlemen.
She had no friends, and it was a dreadful position
for her to be placed in. She considered both
gentlemen were in danger of their lives. He said
tie would put a knife over Mr. St. Alban's throat.
He had a large sailor's clasp-knife, and he swore
that he would cut her throat. She went in fear of
him. It was rot the first occasion he had sworn
to take her life. On two occasions he threw knives
over the table at her.

Mr. Dayman—Have you any question to put to
your wife ?
The Defendant—No ; sha aggravated me. lam
certainly very sorry for what has occurred. Water
was poured down my ears while 1 was asleep on
the sofa, either by you (the complainant) or some
one else. You know I was drunk.

Mr. Dayman—Was he under the influence o.
drink ?

Complainant—Not at all. He used the threats
when sober. He had said it was his intention that
no person should marry her after his death. She
did not wish to hurt her husband. She simply
wanted protection from his threats.
Mr. William St. Alban said he resided in Ken-
nington and was studying for the bar. He wus on
a visit to Mr. Windham's house. He had been
there a fortnight by invitation from Mr. Windham
while at Boulogne. He remembered returning home
on Tuesday night. Mr. Windham was asleep on the
sofa, and they had some difficulty in waking him up.
They all parted good friends before going to their
rooms. His attention was afterwards drawn to Mrs.
Windham, who opened her door and called out
" Gentlemen." We came out, and saw the defend-
ant half-way down the stairs. Mrs. Windham said
she had heard the defendant muttering outside his
(witness's) bedroom that he would cut their throats
or have their blood. Upon that some angry words
ensued. He thought the defendant was excited, but
he was not drunk. Two or three drops of water
were thrown on his head to wake him. It did
not appear to annoy him, for he afterwards
parted with Mrs. Windham in the most affectionate
manner. He did not complain of the water being
thrown over him. They were all in conversation
for some time afterwards. He heard the defendant
use a most violent threat to Mrs. Windham. He
said he would cut her throat from ear to ear that
night, and he made a movement towards Mrs.
Windham. After that they thought it was their
duty to stay with Mrs. Windham. They went
down to the dining-room, and the same coarse lan-
guage went on. Witness did not see any weapon,
but the defendant had his hand behind him. He
did not know how the quarrel began. He thought
Mr. Windham had been drinking. The next morn-
ing Mr. Windham wrote him a humble apology.
He had certainly seen Mr. Windham throw a knife
at Mrs. Windham on two occasions; the witness
added that he thought Mr. Windham did not like
anything to be said to him, for he soon lost his
temper.
Mr. Robert Burdett, of Boulogne, said he was on
a visit to Mr_ Windham_ 1-b then corroborated the
statement of Mr. St. Alban. The witness also said
Mr. Windham had apologised to him.
The defendant on being called upon for his answer
to the charge said he had nothing to say. He went
out with two or three persons, and went to a music-
hall, and other places. In the afternoon his wife
accused him with taking money out of her purse,
and it annoyed him. He was vexed with what
he had done, and was ashamed of himself. He
went away on Wednesday with the intention of
going away altogether, He had written apologies
to the gentlemen.
Mr. Dayman told him that if he had carried
out his threats it would have been then too late
to apologise.
The defendant said he walked upstairs grumbling,
but he did not know what he did eay.
Mr. Dayman said he thought Mrs. Windham's
fear was very reasonable after what had occurred,
and she was entitled to every protection. He ordered
:iina to enter into his own recognisances in the sum
of £5OO, and to find two sureties in the sum of £250
each, to keep the peace for six months.
The defendant was not provided with bail, and
he was removed by the gaoler.