Star. — 1831-04-02 (London, England)

ECCLESTIALD. Esther Dyson, aged 26, was charged with the wilful murder of a new-born female bastard child, at ifcclesfield, in the West Riding, the month of October last.  i  In addition to the excitement which a trial for murder always creates. the present charge produced a greater sensation fmm the circumstance that the unfortunate prisoner is deaf and dumb. The Court was, consequently, crowded to excess long before the arrival of the judges. The prisoner was brought into the dock at about a quarter before nine. She is of a respectable appearance, rather mild featured, and of a more intelligent countenance than most persons who labour under the sank deprivations. She wore a red friezcd cloak, which nearly covet ti a light printed gown, with a purple coloured silk bonnet and lace cap ; al:oge. ther, her exterior was that of a respectable servant. His lordship came into court soon after nine, and the prisoner was immediately arraigned. The indictment contained four counts, chug. ing the offence in various ways. It was alleged to bare been committed on the 24th of September last. The Clerk of Arraigns then inquired," Esther Dyson, are you guilty or not guilty ?" The prisoner returned no answer. After the question had becn several times repeated, the jury were sworn to try " whether the prisoner stood mute by malice, or the visitation of God."  John Henderson deposed that he had known the prisoner 11 years, and that she was both deaf and dumb.  His lordship told the jury this was a mere preliminary inquiry, and under his direction they found a verdict—that she stood mute from the infliction of Providence.  Henderson, in answer to questions from the learned judge, stated that he had been lo the habit of communicating with the prisoner by signs, and that he had reasons to know that she understood the mode of communication which he used.  His Lordship and the Counsel for the prosecution remained some time in conversation; after which Henderson again was examined as to his knowledge of the prisoner ; and swore truly to interpret to the prisoner the nature of the charge ; the evidence, and all such matters and things as the Court should require to be made known to her. The prisoner had no counsel ; and Sir Gregory Lewin readily under. took her defence.  After the nature of the charge war made known to her, she pleaded that she had not done it.  She was arraigned also on the Coroner's inquest ; but Ilender.on said it would be impossible to make her understand that or any complicated proposition ; he could not make her understand that she was at liberty to challenge any of the Jury. The learned Judge, after Henderson had been strictly examined as to this fact, decided, that she came within the meaning of the 39th and 40th Geo. 111. by which, if any person indicted for any offence, was in. sane, and found not intelligent, so as to be tried upon such indictment, that such person could be kept in custody. The jury, after consulting a few moments, returned a verdict that she was " not sane "  His Lordship then directed her to be remanded and desired that the beat means of giving her instruction might be employed. Mr. Shepherd (the Governor) said every method bad been tried to make her acquainted with her situation, but without effect; and he was afraid there was not much prospect of success.