Widnes Examiner. — 1915-09-18 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

PINT POT EPISODE.  Prisoner Says: "Repulsive To My Finer Feelings." John Marratt, of 2,. Lomax-yard, Warrington, I was charged on remand, at ;the Borough Court on Monday, with unlawfully wounding his wife, Victoria Marratt, and a neighbour named I Mary Ann Bromley, by striking them with a pint pot on Saturday. September 4th. The Chief Constable said that he thought the case would be met by reducing the charge to one of aggravated assault. His suggestion was complied with, and prisoner pleaded not guilty. Had To Visit Infirmary. The Chief Constable stated that the charge was first brought against prisoner on the previous Monday, when one of the wounded parties was not in a fit condition to appear. The prisoner went home on Saturday, September 4th, under the influence of drink, and made some trouble with his wife-abdut his food. Tie got her down, and the woman Bromley then came to the rescue of Mrs. Marratt, and was struck on the head by the prisoner with a pint pot. Both had to be taken to the Infirmary in a cab and have stitches inserted in their heads. Prisoner's wife had three stitches 'and the other woman four. "As Good As Gold" When Sober. Victoria Marratt said that her husband was as good as gold when he was sober, but when he got drunk she was afraid of him. It was fifteen months since he had had such a bout as that of September 4th. Prisoner: Haven't I told you to send that woman away? It's repulsive to my finer feelings. kSmiles.) Witness: I shan't argue with him, because he can concoct a tale as well as any man in England. ,(Laughter.) Mary Ann Bromley said that wlien she went to the rescue of prisoner's wife and was struck by prisoner with the pint pot she became smothered with blood. Cries of "Murder!" • Catherine Whelan, another neighbour, gave. evidence as to entering prisoner's house in response to his wife's screams of "Murder" and "Katie." She saw prisoner on top of his wife, with her hair inNme hand. With the help of her sister, witness pulled prisoner, away and got his wife outside. Only fifteen months ago witness "saved her life" at half-past one in the morning. P.C. Vost said that he and P.C. Macdonald arrested the prisoner on the night of the assault and he then admitted striking , the women, but in self-defence. He also stated that the woman Bromley was a lodger, adding that one woman was enough in the house. "Hell Upon Earth." Prisoner, asked what explanation he had to offer the magistrates, said he did not remember striking either of the parties. "I am a chap," he went on, "who has to get a living as best I can. I have to go from place to place. When I got home that day they ,had both had a lot Of drink and they were careless and indiffeKent whether I got anything to eat. As to this Mrs. What's-her-name, I have ordered her to leave time after time. If one says a word and I say anything against it, the other starts. It's hell upon earth at our house." Would Not Hurt A Worm. The Chief Constable said that -prisoner had been eighteen times previously convicted at that Court. His record dated back to 1872. He had been convicted, amongst other things, for assaulting his wife and for, threatening her. Unless he refrained from taking drink, there would sooner or later be a capital charge against him. "His poor wife," Mr. Nichols added, "I don't think would hurt a worm, and this other woman, I understand, doesn't take any drink." A sentence of three months' hard labour was Imposed by the Bench, which was presided over by the Mayor. His Worship was assisted by: Aldermen Smethurst, Bolton, Pierpoint and James Evans, and Messrs. W. Furness, G. Pilling and S. Wright.