The Sun. — 1846-05-14 (London, England)

MINSTER.  EXTRAORDINARY DECLARATION OF THE INJURED FEMALE.  Since the apprehension of William Luff alias William Munfield, on the charge of brutally assaulting and throwing a female out of window, the magistrate, Mr. Burrell, has, from time to time, inquired after her condition, with a view of ascertaining whether she was in a fit state to give any account of the transaction, and on its being reported to him that she was competent to give a coherent account, although labouring under erysipelas, Mr. Burrell determined to secure her examination, and on Monday, accompanied by Mr. W. Taylor, the chief clerk at the Westminster Police-court, proceeded to the Westminster Hospital, whither the prisoner was conveyed in handcuffs, in order that her evidence might be taken in his presence. The reader will remember till evidence of the parties previously examined, as to the quarrel, cries of murder, the wound inflicted on the woman by a poker, and, finally, her being hurled out of the window, evidently by Luff.  - The Magistrate and clerk having taken their seats by the witness's bed, with the prisoner in front, the proceedings commenced. Jane Pullen, examined by Mr. W. Taylor.—l am now an in-patient of this hospital. I lived with the man who now stands before me, whom I know by the name of William Luff. I have cohabited with him for about a twelvemonth. About eight o'clock in the evening of this day week I came home and found the prisoner in the room. He began to quarrel with me for not being at home, and said, " This is fine going on for a man to come home from work and no fire." One of the lodgers called me out, and the prisoner persuaded me not to go. I said if he would not lot me go out of the door I would get out of the window. He said, " You bad better sit down," and went to the cupboard and got something to eat. While he was at the cupboard 1 jumped out of the window, which I had attempted before, but he pulled me back. Mr. Taylor—Do you recollect anything more ? Witness—Yes ; I recollect a young man picking me up in the yard. Mr. Burrell—Did he not push you from the window ? Witness—No, sir, he did not. Mr. Taylor—Had you been drinking ? Witness—l had had a little drop to drink. Burrell--Was the man sober ? Witness—Yes, quite.  - Mr. Taylor—Did the prisoner offer you any violence ? Witness—No, he did not. Mr. Taylor—Did he not strike you with a poker ? Witness—No, sir ; I had the poker in my own hand. Mr. Burrell—Did you strike him with the poker ? Witness—l was going to, but he took it from me. Mr. Taylor—Did you scream murder ? Witness— Yes, sir, I did.  Mr. Taylor—Why did you scream murder ? Witness—Because he would not let me go out. Mr. Taylor—Was there any blood about you ? Witness (he,itatiligly).—Yes, a little.  —alla camestwruk m c bloyendoaseb: whichOutyou —I ITLywl Taylor—How CauWseditintetsos bleed. There was no other blood on me before I jumped out of the window. Mr. Burrell—Did be not strike you ? Witness—He only gave me a shove on the side of the head. Mr. Burrell—Did he not say he would throw you out of the window ? Witness—No, sir ; he did not. Mr. Burrell—Are you quite sure of that ? Witness —I am. This being the conclusion of her evidence, the prisoner was asked whether he wished to put any questions to her. He replied "No ;" what she had stated was the whole truth. As the magistrate and clerk were about leaving her bed-side, she requested permission to speak to the prisoner, and appeared very anxious to do so. Mr. Burrell intimated that when she was better she would have an opportunity of speaking to him. The female still carries marks of brutal violence ; but her condition is much improved, and unless some unfavourable change should take place. her ultimate recovery is not despaired of. She smiled at the close of the proceedings.