The Sun. — 1830-02-08 (London, England)

THE ODDINGLEY MURDERS.  (FURTHER PARTICULARS.)  WORCESTER, SATURDAY.  The prisoner Thomas Clewes, whose extraordinary confession relative to one of these murders we have already published, on his apprehension on Friday week strongly protested his innocence. On Sunday morning he attended Divine Service in the prison chapel, and, on his return thence, expressed a desire to make a communication to a County Magistrate. The Rev. Robert Clifton, in consequence, visited him in his cell; but, before permitting him to make any disclosure, cautioned him as to the consequences. The prisoner then made a statement, the result of which was the immediate issuing of a warrant for the apprehension of Mr. George Banks. At the time of the murder Clewes was an opulent farmer, the farm of Netherwood, which he held under Lord Foley, containing about 160 acres of well-cultivated land. His affairs subsequently became embarrassed, and he made an assignment of his stock and other effects to Mr. Waterson, for the benefit of his creditors. Since then he has worked as a farm-labourer, but, obtaining frequent employ from Lord Foley as a woodman, he has been able to maintain a more decent appearance than the average of agricultural lsbourers. There is ground for sup. posing also that he received occasional gratuities from parties (whatever might be their motives) who had known him in his better day=. About a week before his apprehension he was near being drowned in the canal, ou his return from the Virgin Tavern, at Worcester, to Oddingley. He had drank deeply, and his road lying by the side of the canal, the landlord was apprehensive of his falling in, and, shortly after his leaving, sent a man after him, whom he promised a quart of ale if he would see Clewes safe home. This man came up with him near Tibbertonlock, where, either by accident or design, Clewes walked into the canal, and was with dißieulty saved from drowning. In consequence of the statement made by Clewes, a warrant was instantly issued for the apprehension of Mr. George Banks, and Orchard and Tilt, two police-officers, were despatched in a chaise to Hanbury for that purpose. They left the chaise at the house of Mr. Vernon, a County Magistrate, residing about a mile from Hanbury, and proceeded on foot across the country to the residence of Mr. George Banks, which is situate in a retired part. They found him at home, and told him they had a warrant for his apprehension. lie did not ask what for;l)r a o g h and, having himto do M r .V" ebil.)l; o .hall d With Wed m this e theytleman, it seems, Mr. Banks was previously acquainted,  and was received by him in a manner which showed a deep sympathy for his situation. Mr. Banks is possessed of a good property, is well educated, and of pleasing address; he kept a hunter, and was in the habit of mixing with the gentlemen of the neighbourhood. On being brought into the presence of Mr. Vernon, Orchard told him that the warrant was issued against him on suspicion of his having been concerned in the murder of Richard Hemming. He made no reply, and, having received some refreshment, he was conducted to the chaise. Mr. Banks is a single man, and about 44 years old. Mr. J. Barnett, the other alleged participator in the crime of Hemming's murder, is an extensive farmer at Oddingley ; he inherits property devised to him by his father's will, and is said to be worth 20,0004 He is about 5.5 years old. It is said an application will be made to the King's Bench to admit Messrs. Banks and Barnett to bail.