The Sun. — 1849-03-27 (London, England)

PLATT.) ThomasWhitford was indicted for the wilful murder of leis wife, Elizabeth Whitford, at Brilley, on the 28th of October last. It appeared that the prisoner had for some time laboured under religious mania, which at times exhibited itself in great violence of conduct. The unfortunate deceased was some years older than the prisoner, and it appeared that their household presented a scene of great connubial misery. On the night in question he returned home, and a quarrel commenced between them which was heard by the neighbours, who fearing that the dispute had been attended with more serious consequences than usual, sent a constable to the house, who, with some of the neighbours effected an entrance, when they found the poor woman lying dead on the ground with her brains literally beaten out, and her skull dreadfully fractured, the prisoner standing near the body in a complete state of nudity. On examining the body, the key of the door was found in deceased's pocket, so that it would appear she had locked the door from the inside. The conduct of the prisoner left little doubt that his mind was diseased, and the jury Acquitted him on the ground of insanity. Mr. Baron PLATT ordered him to be detained in custody during her Majesty's pleasure; and he was recommitted to the county gaol, there to await the Royal will respecting him. Elijah Lewis, John Symonds, Henry Williams, and Thomas Thomas, were indicted for violently assaulting Thomas Ball, at Huntingdon, on the 17th of February, and stealing a purse, three sovereigns, a eheque-book, and other articles from his person. The prisoners waylaid Mr. Ball, a farmer, as he was returning from Hereford market, knocked him from his horse, knelt on his chest, and violently rifled his pockets. It appeared that they mistook him for Mr. Taylor, the steward of Sir R. Price, Bart., M.P., who they supposed would pass that way on his road to Foxley Court, and who was known to have been receiving a large sum of money in Hereford that day, on the Baronet's account. • They were convicted. The business of the assizes was brought to a close by eleven to-night, until which hour both the Judges sat. MONMOUTH, March 25.  Mr. Sergeant Talfourd opened the commission for this county yesterday afternoon; and Mr. Baron Platt, with Mr. Justice Coltman, arrived from Hereford this morning, when they attended Divine service at St. Mary's Church. The calendar contains the names of 48 prisoners, but there is no charge of murder, although independent of that, some of the crimes are of a very serious nature. MIDLAND ClRCUlT.—Coventry, March 26. The Commission for this division of the county of Warwick was opened by Mr. Justice Maule on Satur&l', but no business beyond the opening of the Commission was transacted until to-day. There are cas es 29 prisoners for trial, but with the exception of three arson and one for manslaughter, the offences are light. Nye must not forget to mention' the case of Robert Astill, charged with havinc, printed published a libel concerning. Lord Leigh, of Stonelaphr *I g This case has been removed to, and will, we 6:5149i.-71"" ele lehv'e be tried at 'Warwick; as also a similar indict-4' -1,--2.,*,' merit against' an attorney, named Griffin. These ease, • ' ° excite great interest throughout the county; probably a- ''t:::' their will not be tried before Friday. 111::, • ._' r. Thervi was only one cause here, " Whitlock v. White. ',- • head:l,l,4U was an action upon the warranty of a horse, '...-- and after the usual quantum of hard swearing a verdict i--- passed for the defendant. It.. , ..;;" 114.,. , NORFOLK ClRCUlT.—Norwich, March 26. Lord Chief limn Pollock and Ur. Baron AQlf©  tk . 1:-.Z::: 1, . 0 7,711  opened the commission this morning having been esccrted into the city by the High Sheriff, with the usual formalities. _ _ _  The calendar is not heavy, and there aro but few cases to be tried of any importance, with the exception of the case of the Stanfield Hall murders, which engrosses public attention exclusively.  NORTHERN CIRCUIT, Liverpool, March 26.