The Warrington Examiner. — 1875-01-30 (Warrington, Cheshire, England)

EXAMINATION BEFORE THE MAGISTRATES YESTERDAY.  Yesterday, Friday, at Lymm polie Court, before J. Barton, Esq. (chairman), and G. B. Dawhurst, Esq., Watson Whiteley, a chimney sweep, was charged that he did at Lymm, between the 3 st ult. and the 20th inst., unlawfully kill Mary Rigby. The prisoner stood about five feet eight in 11i4ht, about 26 years of age, light complexion, fair hair, and with a moustache and slight beard. He seemed to feel his position acutely, and shifted uneasily from time to time. P.C. Rowe's and Dr. Cartwright's evidence having been repeated (as in our last) the following additional particulars were gleaned :  Catherine Lawless, 100, Tablock-street, Liverpool, said: I live there with my sister, the wife of Thomas Callory. The year before last, in September, I lived at 21, Ardwick-street, Liverpool, servant to Mr. Ben. Hughes. I was with him six months. I saw Mary Rigby, when there, every other day, as she lived only four streets off. I left there on a Monday, but I don't know the date. The Sunday following I left, I saw Mary Rigby. She came to me at my sister's house. Pzisoner stood at the top of the street, about 40 yards away. I said nothing to him. Prisoner could not hear any conversation between us. About two months before I left prisoner came, tipsy, to me at Ardwick street, at about 5 o'clock in the evening. He asked me for Catherine Lawless. I said "What do you want with her." He said " Mar 3 Rigby wants you." I said "I cannot get out," and prisoner then left the door. I did not see deceased that night. I went once with deceased to William Henry-street, about twelve months ago. I have never seen prisoner and deceased tog,ithPr. When I met with deceased, 12 months ago, she (deceased) went to the top of a cellar in William Henry-street. I was then at the end of Shaw-street, about ten yards away. I knew that prisoner lived there. He was a chimney sweep. Prisoner was not in. Deceased wrote one letter to William Henrystreet. I lent her pen and ink. I did not see the address, deceased told me it was going to William Henry-street.  Louisa Jane Hodgson said: lam 16 years of ago, and live at 73, William Henry-street, Liverpool. My father is a chimney sweep, and has taken prisoner's business in September, 18-4. A week or two afterwards a letter came, and I opened it, and I saw the words" Mary Rigby, Stafford-street," at the foot of the letter. Ido not know how the letter commenced. It seemed to be poor writing. I gave it to Watson Whitely the same day, or a day or two after. Prisoner put it in his pocket without saying anything. I did not read it. A few days after another letter came, addressed Watson Wiaitely, at William Henry street. I did not open it, but some one did, and read it. I gave it to prisoner. That one cape from his wife. It was given to prisoner, who took it with him. I have known prisoner for five or six years. I have seen his wife. I know they have separated several times. When we came in the house, prisoner and his wife were living apart. Superintendent Steen said: I am the superintendent of police at Altrincham. On the 27th inst. I apprehended the prisoner at Tuebrook, near Liverpool, and conveyed him to the police station, where the witness Lawless was remaining. .When there prisoner was pointed out by her as having been seen in company with Mary Rigby. I told him I should arrest him for the murder of Mary Rigby, and conve Jed him to the Central Police Station. When there he was confronted by the last two witnesses, and he said," I never did call upon Catherine Lawless at 21, Ardwick-street, neither did 1 over receive a letter from Louisa Jane Hodgson, William Henry-street. I know nothing about the woman Mary Rigby." In consequence of conflicting statements, I conveyed him to Lymm. He denied calling on Lawless; or receiving letters. I have now to. I.lBk for a remand for a week, to make further inquiries. This was granted, the trial to be resumed on Thursday next, at 10 30 a.m., bail being refused.  R.