Stockton Herald, South Durham and Cleveland Advertiser. — 1873-07-19 (Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, England)

SATURDAY. VERDICT OF GUILTY.—SENTENCE OF DEATH. The trial of Joseph Turnbull (20), pitman, on the charge of having murdered Martin Hagan, at Willington, on the 21st of April last, was resumed on the opening of the court on Saturday morning. On the conclusion of the evidenoe, Mr Wright addressed the jury on behalf of the prisoner, Mr Torr, Q.C., for the prosecution. The Judge then summed up the evidence with great care, and explained to the jury that there was nothing DI this case to reduce the crime below wilful murder. They had first to consider whether the crime had been committed, and then by whoma zell`dei During the summing up the prisoner at times listened intently, and when the principal evidence for the prosecution was being commented upon, he leaned forward, and seemed very anxious to bear the opinion of the judge. At eight o'clock the jury retired, and they were absent until five minutes pad nire. The names having been called, the Foreman, amit death-like stillness, said: We And him guilty; but desire to recommend him to mercy on account of his youth. The prisoner, who stood with arms folded, lowering brow, and ettitude all attention, seemed terribly impressed with the whole sane, and when asked if he had anything to say made no reply, although he communicated for a weekend with his ceunsel. Then his Lordship assumed the black cap, and in tones grave and low, yet distinctly heard through the Court, addressing the prisoner, said: It has come to this—by lawless and cruel violence yen have defied the law, and the sentence of the law is that your life is forfeit. You have by conduct so brutal and so cowardly, that I am ashamed to think of it, brought an innoeent 'man to an untimely end, and the sentence for such crime is that your life shall be brosight to the same untimely finish. These hatreds must be quelled—they cannot be tolerated in this country, without effect being gave to the law. The verdict which has been given, and in the justice of which I entirely concur, and the teriible sentence that I am now about to pass, will teach those who, like you, will give way to ungovernable passions, that if the effect of their passion is the death of their fellowmen, they must suffer this in order that those who hear of it may obey the law. The sentence I have to pass upon you is that you be taken hence to the place from whence you came, and thence to the plea, of execution, and there to be hanged by the neck until you are dead, and atterwsgds to be buried within the prison walls. The recommendation of the jury will be forwarded to the Queen, who is the only person that can exercise mercy in this matter. I have to pass upon you fhe sentence of the law, and I can only say, God have mercy upon your soul. The prisoner made a sign that he wished to weak, and his counsel having obtained leave, he bowed low to the judge, and then said: rheard a passing remark that the other man had endangered himself upon the evidence of that woman. I only wieh—as I know it is the duty whatever good there is to do to make preparation for the world to OCEGO, and to do all the good that lies in his power—l only want the request granted that nothing come upon Dennison, for the woman's evidence is perfectly untrue. After making this breken remark, he was removed from the bar, and taken to the condemned cell.