The North-Eastern Weekly Gazette. — 1894-12-01 (Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, England)

EXECUTION AT CARMARTHEN.  Thos. Richards, sailor, was hanged at Carmarthen Gaol on Thursday morning for the murder of Mary Davies, his sister-in-law, at Borth, near Aberystwith, on Sept. 21st. Richards broke into Davies's house, and, having stolen a pony, • deposit note for £262, • Er, note, some deeds. and a wedding ring, smothered Mrs Davies with a pillow. Ile remained at large several days, but was finally arrested at Neath. Deceased left a long account of his crime, beginning with the period when he left his ship, the Electra, at Neath, and referring to • series of drunken bouts which followed. lie adtnittedgoing to the deceased woman's home at night, but said be had no idea of murder, although he admitted the theft Of the money. Some of this money he forwarded to his wife, and the other part hesent back to his sister-in-law. He said that when he went : into the deceased's bed-room she screamed, whereupon he pushed her, and than threw a pillow at her. He repeated that lie had not the least intention of killing her, and said he did not know she was dead till the police told him. The convict also &fluffed to fever ha contracted off the West Coast of Africa, and violent pains in the head he had since suffered. Unsuccessful efforts were made to: secure a reprieve. By order of the High Sheriff of Cardiganshire no reporters were admitted to witness the execution. It transpired. however, that Richards, having risen about six o'clock in the morning, dressed himself, and was visited in the cell shortly afterwards by the chaplain, who engaged in prayer. Richards afterwards partook of a slight breakfast of tea and bread and butter. The chaptain and Richard's then remained alone until a quarter to eight, when the prison bell began to toll the death knell. Billinsrton subsequently entered the cell to pinion Richards, with whom he first shook hands. Richardsdid not display much emotion whilst the pinioning process was being carried out. The officials in the vicinity of the cell could hear the dirge-like voice of the chaplain as he endeavoured to administer spiritual consolation to the culprit. Presently Richards emerged from the cell, supported on either side by a warder, and the solemn procession was formed, headed by the chaplain, in surplice and stole. Immediately the procession started the bhaplain, with a choking voice, commenced to recite the burial service. Richards walked juat be. hind the chaplain. The condemne d man presented a pitiable appearance. Behind him followed Billington, who had the strap tucked in his troucers pocket and the white cap pushed inside the breast of his waistcoat. Next to 13i11ington Came three warders, and then Dr. Williams, the prison surgeon, followed by Major Price Lewes, the High Sheriff, Mr Fs Davies, J.P., and Mr W. Forbes, the Governor, whose arrangements for the execution were carried out under the direction of the High Sheriff with remarkable care. Other dapper Officials in blue uniforms joined the procession as it passed along to the gallows she... Directly Richards stepped on to the platform he was placed in position, his legs were strapped, and the white rap was put over his head and face, the chaplain, meanwhile, increasing, if possible, in his fervour, as he interceded for the dying suppliant. As the chaplain was repeating the lines commencing, "In the midst of life we are in death," and as the murderer wee in the act of uttering a final "0, Lord, have mercy on me," Billington deftly picked up the rope and placed the noose over Richardi's head, gave the lever a jerk, and, amid the me see of the trembling knot of spectators, the y of the unhappy man slipped through the trap door and disappeared. The whole scene on the scaffold did not occupy more than one minute. Billington gave the culprit • drop of about seven feet. Richards weighed 1481 b.. having increased lffile. in weight since his committal. Richards made no statement on the scaffold supplementary to the confession pven above.  Death fromi— Burns - near ---Spennymoor,— A little girl. aged 7 yeare, Tomer! Alice Henwood, died on Monday at Merrington Lane from ikluriea received by burning that eame morning. The girl came down staler, and going too near the grate her night dreme caught on fire, and she received eerere in)uries. _