Middlesbrough & Stockton Gazette and General Advertiser. — 1871-05-19 (Stockton-on-Tees, Durham, England)

CHARGE OF MURDER IN LEEDS. John Pearson (axed 17) was on Tuesday again brought up at the Leeds Police Court, before Mr Bruce, on the charge of stabbing James Morris, on the 7th inst. Mr Billiugton appeared for the defence. The charge has now resolved itself into the more serious one of murder.—Mr Kelly, surgeon, said he had made a post-mortem exaraivation of the body of James Morris. The wound on the left breast penetrated to the cavity of the chest, between the fifth and sixth ribs, into the lung as it overlies the pericardium, and penetrated partly the fibrous portion of the pericardial membrane. The lung and pleura were highly inflamed, with a certain amount of serious fluid in the pleural sac. The pericardial membrane was also inflamed, and the inflammation was of a recent character in both cases. The heart itself was healthy, and the other organs were also healthy. The pleuro-pneumonia was sufficient to cause death, and so was the inflammation of the pericardium. The inflammation in both cases was due to the wound undoubtedly. In cross-examination, Mr Kelly said the deceased had been well nourished, and was a perfectly healthy. subject.—Geo. Webster, Grey-street, New Town, employed by the Leeds Corporation, stated that he had had a grating pointed out to him on the 9th of May, in Brussells-street, near Marsh. lane. He cleaned the grating out, and there was found a pocket-knife in the cart afterwards. The knife was shut. It was given up to Police-officer Fox.—Mr Bruce : Did you notice the kuife in the scoop before you turned it into the cart !—Wituess replied that the knife had not been noticed, because it was dark. They were first at the grating about a quarter past 12. Then the dirt was emptied out of the cart, and they returned to the grating between three and four o'clock. The cart was filled again and emptied at Crown Point Depot, and on returning the knife was found in the cart— Cross-examined: Many things were found in the grates, knives included.— Henry Heaps, crigh finisher, residing in Off-street, knew the prisoner, who had worked with him recently at Mr Snell's mill for a week. During that week the prisoner had a knife in his possession similar to the one produced. Ile, however, never had the prisoner's knife in his hand, and did not know what blades it contained.—After the depositions had been read over, Mr Billington submitted that there was no case to support the capital charge of murder, and that the committal must, therefore, be for manslaughter.—Mr Bruce said he could not, of course, tell what view the jury might take, and, for reaeons which ought to be appreciated by the prisoner's attorney, he should not state his reason for the course he was going to adopt, because he did not want to prejudice the defence by anything that might be said. The charge would be that ól murder.—Mary Lalley, single woman, residing in the Ohl Infirmary-yard, was called for the defence. She knew the prisoner, and was in his company on the 7th of May. At night, after eleven o'clock, she saw Morris come up to the prisoner in Duke. street. Morris took hold of Pearson by the back of the neck and threw him out into the road. The prisoner said, " What have you done that for." Morris said, " You b--, I'll show you if you don't go away from here." He then went up to the prisoner and got bold of hint by both shoulders, but Pearson, breaking away front him, ran up Duke. street. Morrie spoke to witness. The prisoner came out of the Lloyd's Arms yard, and Morris was then standing talking with witness. Morris then walked towards the prisoner. She did not see a knife. Morris, when he first meddled with the prisoner, laid hold of him very roughly. Pri• sutler had had a good deal ef driii k. —The prisoner was then cemntitted for trial at the next Anises.