The Atherstone, Nuneaton, and Warwickshire Times. — 1880-07-03 (Atherstone, Warwickshire, England)

THE PRISONER BEFORE THE MAGISTRATES. On Thursday morning, at the Coventry City Police Court, before the Mayor, H. Seinhpton, Esq., and J. Marriott, Esq., Oliver Stpte*, Far llosford-street, watchmaker, was charged with having feloniously shot his wife, Harriett Styles, with intent to commit murder, on the 27th May last. Long before eleven o clock the precincts of the Court were thronged with people, and the liveliest interest was manifested in the case. When the doors were opened, all the available seats were quickly appropriated, but arrangements were made to prevent overcrowding. The: prisoner, who walked iuto Court in a dejected manner, appeared to be weak and ill, and a chair was placed in the •It for his use. While the witnesses were giving evidence lie appeared to take but little interest iii the proceedings, but in his examination of his wife • ot',e aho showed that he was far from being inattentive to what was going on. Mrs. Styles, who appeared with her right arm in a sling, and ▪ s. Elkington, were accommodated with seats. Mr. Minster appeared to prosecute on behalf of the police, and said that he would content himself simply with calling witnesses., and not take up the time of the Court by making any observations. He would not be able to complete the case that day, but intended at a later hour to apply fur an adjournment. The prisoner was undefended. Mr. Wilks said he appeared to watch the case on behalf of Mr. John White, of Hertforebsquare, Coventry, whose name had been mentioned largely in connection with this case. The Clerk would tell the Bench that he hail a perfect, right to watch the proceedings, but lie thought it respectful to the Bench to inform them why he was there. The Clerk said Mr. Willis had a right to be there, but could not be heard in ally way. Mr. Wilks said if it became necessary for him toask any questions, his application would probably be considered. The first witness called was Harriett Styles, the prisoner's wife, who said : On the 270 of May I was living at 23e, Much Park-street, with my mother. My husband was living apart from me, in Bantalhrow, Far Gosford-street. youngest child, two years and six months old, was with me. On the 23rd of May, in the evening. my mother, my child, and myself were in the house together. I put up the shutters and locked the door at nine o'clock. Half-an-hour afterwards it loud knock came at the door. My mother said, " Who's there," and the door was forced open. I saw my husband in the doorway, with one hand upon the door and something in the other hand. He said, "Now I have got my revenge," and turning to my mother he said, " I will do for you, you old cow, first." He then held his hand up, and tired at my mother. I heard the repert, ankl thought it was a pistol. After he had tired, he said, "You are not done for yet, and fired again. My mother was standing up. After he had tired at my mother the sooond time, he turned round uud fired at me. The child was in my arms at the tizie. The shot struck me on the right shou:der. I Irave my al ni in a sliwnow. He caught bold of ire by the hair if my bead, and we wrestled ut of doors together. We got Aland