The Express. — 1848-03-09 (London, England)

EXTRAORDINAHY DEATH OF A MERCHANT.—The adjourned inquiry was resumed few the fourth time before Mr. W. Baker, at the Fountain public-house, City-road, as to the death of Mr. James Lyle, aged 45 years., who died from starvation. The deceased was a whisky merchant, and had resided at No. 3, Upper Fountain-place, St. Luke's, for the last 14 years. Within she last 18 months I.e became acquainted with Thompson, a letter-carries in the Post-office. About six months since Thompson lost his si•uation, and deceased permitted him to live in his house. Thompson immediately accepted the otter, and brought hi. nephew and niece with him. Several weeks afterwards the deceased called upon a friend named Hall, and complained that Thompson and his relatives had ill-used him, and he could not say hie house was his own. Subsequently the deceased was seen with two black eyes and other -bruises noon his face. Screams of murder were frequently heard by the neighbours in Mr. Lyle's house, and deceased often appeared to be afraid of Thompson, who bad some powerful influence ever him. For several weeks previous to the death of the deceased van loads of furniture were seen to leave the house, and when any of deceased's friends called to see him Thompson and his relatives generally made some excuse, and never permitted them to enter the house. On Wednesday, the lfith of February, application was made to the registrar of deaths, by Thompson and another person, for a certificate for the burial of the deceased. They appeared very anxious to obtain one, and the registrar refused until some inquiries had been made. On the same day the police effected an entrance at the deceased's residence, and found the house divested of every article of furniture with the exception of an old bedstead in the back parlour. The deceased was lying upon it dead, and his body presented a frightful appearance.—Thompson, in explanation of hls conduct to the jury, said the deceased was in great distress, and had authorised hint to sell his furniture for his support.— Mr. W. Herriest stated that he knew the deceased, and had transacted business with him respecting the lease of his house. He called at the residence of Mr. Lyle several times during three weeks previous to the death of tee deceased, and always saw Thompson, who appeared to be acting for the deceased. Witness heard of Mr. Lyle's death on Monday, the 14th of Feb. last, and on the fallowing day he saw Thompson, and asked him if the den seed was dead. Thompson replied he was not, but was very bad.—Mary Ann Burke deposed that on the 25th of October last she !sassed Mr. Lyle's house, and heard screams of murder. She stopped, and saw the deceased struck by a thin man, who knocked him down and jumped upon him several times. The deceased endeavoured to escape, but the thin man again jumped upon him, and he became insensible. There was a female standing in the room keeping the door closed, and when they saw witness they immediately pulled the blind down. Witness heard the deceased dragged into the back parlour, and cries of distress were heard for some time afterwards —A Juror : Would you know the man thst ill-used the deceased ?—Witaiess said yes, and immediately pointed out Thompson, who was standing in the room—After some further evidence the coroner summed up, and the jury returned a verdict of "Manslaughter against David Thompson and his relations, John Spottiswood and Bees). Spottiswoucl." The jury also added that they could not conclude their labours without expressing their approbation of the conuuct of Gower the beadle and the police-officers.—The Coroner said he was unprepared for such a verdict, and must adjourn the inquiry for the production of the necessary documents. He then issued his wan ant for their apprehension and committal to Newgate. The jury were bound over to appear on Friday.