Bridgend & Neath Chronicle, and County of Glamorgan Advertiser. — 1892-08-19 (Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, Wales)

CORONER'S INQUEST.  A VERDICT 3F MANSLAUGHTER.  PRISONER COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.  As previously reported, a serious affray occurred on Tuesday in last week at Maesteg between two masons, named James Price, 46, Alma-road, and John Davies, 10, Company-road, in the course of which the latter was severely injured. Price was brought up before Mr C. P. Davis, at Bridgend, on Thursday, and a medical certificate of Davies's condition was put in and some evidence given by Sergeant Hill. The prisoner was then remanded on bail till Saturday. On Wednesday the injured man was reported to be progressing favourably, but unfavourable symptoms set in, and he died early on Friday morning. Price was then re-apprehended, and on Saturday was brought up at Briclgend Petsy Sessions, on the charge of wilful murder. The prisoner is a strong-looking fellow, about the middle height,but bears an ugly scar of a knife cut right across his left cheek and neck. He is a married man with a family. The magistrates present on Saturday were Mr R. W. Llewellyn (chairman), Col. Franklen, and Messrs R. K. Prichard, C. P. Davis, and D. R. David.  The evidence given by Police-sergeant Hill was that on Tuesday, the 9th inst., he was sent for to No 10, Bompany row, Maesteg. He found John Davies lying on the bed, groaning, and apparently in great pain. Witness examined his shirt, the lower portion of which was covered with blood. He complained of having been kicked. Witness at once went for a medical man, and Dr Clay, Dr Davies's assistant, returned with him and examined Davies. He said he could not then state the extent of the injuries. Witness met Dr Clay at the house on the following morning. He examined Davies afresh, and said the man was in a critical state. The same day, at witness's request Dr Clay gave him a certificate, which stated "John Davies suffers from rupture, and is in a critical condition." Davies made a statement, in which he said "Price gave me 6d to get some beer, and I went with Vincent. When I went hack he said I had been a long time. I said he was liar. He then struck me five or six times and knocked me down. He kicked me from behind several times while I was on the ground." Witness took prisoner into custody, and he was brought before Mr C. P. Davis on Thursday last. Witness then produced another certificate from Dr Clay, which stated that Davies was progressing favourably, but was not out of danger. Davies died about four o'clock on Friday morning, and witness received information of his death at 5.30 p.m. He at once re-arrested the prisoner, and charged him with wilful murder. Prisoner said nothing in answer to the charge. Witness produced the heavy nailed boots prisoner wore at the time of the assault, and also the shirt and trousers of the deceased.  In reply to Mr R. Scale (who appeared for prisoner) witness said he did not recollect ever having seen Davies before. He did not hear that he was in a bad state of health. He told witness that he was kicked from behind. He said he was knocked down on his side. Both men were employed by Mr Daniels, builder, at some new buildings. Prisoner was not a foreman, but the contractor was away that day and he believed Price was left in charge On Thursday bail was allowed, and there was no objection to that. Had no reason to believe that there was any previous ill-feeling between the men. He did not himself know, but he had heard that the two men were drinking together at the Royal Oak some hours after the assault. He believed prisoner was a respectable man. He applied for a remand for a week. Mr Scale said that the evidence wonlcl put quite a different complexion on the affair. He asked the bench to allow bail, and was prepared with most substantial sureties.  Superintendent Thomas objected to bail. The inquest would be held on Monday, and prisoner would be wanted there.  Mr Scale: Defendant will be at the inquest, and be represented as well. _  The bench declined to allow bail, and prisoner was remand till Saturday next. ,