Denton and Haughton Examiner, etc. — 1880-02-07 (Denton, Greater Manchester, England)

THE SCENE.  - Notwithstanding the fact that Robert Haild, or as he is known on the police books Thomas Wait, was to be brought up on Tuesday morning the attendance at the Comity Police Court was not large. The court was better tilled than usual but there wan no appearance of crowding, and the excitement created by the trial Seemed to I/U absolutely nil. John Laycock was uow iu court, arid occupi id a peat near the dock. Mis. Build, who had been requested by her husband to be at the police court, was accom • reprinted with a teat at the back. The Magistrates were present in stronger force than usual no lees than Mx gentlemen, who occupied the preliminary momenta with mysterioue consultatious of Acts of Parliament, and hurried cone veriattous just an mysterious and portentous, bei,,g on the bench. Mr. Beat was not iu court but Mr. Croiton carried with him all the Materials for a long prosecution, and Mr. Wharton, barrister, who was instructed for the delemm, seemed prepared for a tedious sitting At twenty minutes past eleven o'clock the prisoner was called into the dock, but in consequence of the absence of Mr. Bent he was ordered to stand down for a few minutes. He looked very little worse for his week $ imprisonment, and seemed almost as unconcerned as when lie first stepped iuto the dock. Having faced the magistrates be glanced round the • court, but failed to catch sight of either his wife or Laycook. Mr. Bent returned in the course of a few minutes. and the bench, on • hurried application of Mr Crofton, allowed the legal gentlemen engaged in the ease to consult before the proeeediugs were opened. Then Build was again placed in the dock, and Mr Crofton arose to address the bench. Mr. Bent who appeared somewhat nervous and excited, did sot occupy his usual seat, but flitted between the bench and Mr. Crofton, Mr Wharton had pr. viously asked what was the charge against his client, but had been told that he would hear directly. Now the public began to take a deep interest in the proceedings, and when Mr. Crofton commenced strict silents) prevailed. The first few words set the matter at rest. The pews) dies wished to withdraw from the ease. Mr. Crofton said he did not un• 1066 the bench pre/listed, propose to offer •ny evidence. A brief discussion raised by the chairman on the point of whether the course proposed by Mr Ordton could be legally adopted was settled comfortably in the affirms. live and Mr. fliggin suggested that the prosecution should take upon themselves the responsibility of their awl* proceedings. The Chairman then ordered the prisoner to be discharged, but Mr. Wharmn, who app- ed on his behalf, wished to say a few worus with respect too charge which bad been implied rather than mentioned. It wa6 almost move, sally known the charge of perjury was merely a pretext to detain the man in custody whilst Cie police made iuquiries into the more serious charge of murder. There were undoubtedly singular coincidences which justified the c-iurse the police have taken in the apprehension of Hand, and this fact was admit ed by his counsel with perfect freedom. Still it was contended on behalf of the prisoner that he had been no straightforward in the matter had gives every information in his power, sad was, if an opportunity had afforded him, quite really to produce a complete answer to an in , clunieent for murder, the implied chat ge even against him should be openly and Candidly withdraws. Mr. Wharton premed the bench  Hooley Hill.  Albert Illwtrd does not like late dinners. It be. lately become the fashion for very exquisite people to dine at nine o'cloek;and that was the hour at Malborough louse, Thie wan fatal to the evenings. It prevented attendance at the theatre. It was beginning to ruin the oper. So his royal highness hae beau pleawd to declare that he will heneefortb dine at seven and at seven the fashionable dinner hour will henceforth be.