Weekly News. — 1890-05-22 (Blandford, Dorset, England)

SHOCKING MURDER AT MITCHAM.  At Croydon Police-court, on Monday,George Bowling, • middle-aged man, described as • labourer, of Miles'-cottages, Mitcham, was charged with the wilful murder of Elizabeth Nightingall, by striking her on the head with a hammer, thereby breaking her skull.  The first witness called was Sophie Collins, a widow, living at Mitcham, who stated that the deceased was her sister. She last saw her alive on Friday. Between 5 and 6 o'clock on Saturday evening she saw her lying on her own lied, quite dead and covered with blood. Witness had gone in to shut the window. The prisoner and deceased had been living together as man and wife. Directly witness found her she came downstairs and sent for the police and a doctor. The prisoner went to bed at 8 o'clock on Friday night, anl the deceased came in between 9 and 10. Witness did not 806 her, but she heard her and Bowling "swearing and going on at one another," after which Bowling came down stairs. When he returned t • the bedroom the quarrelling was 80013 over. The prisoner went out at about half-past 5 on Saturday isurililig,and witness took it for granted that deceased hail gone ti work. Witness did not leave the house during the day, and she thought if anyone had gone into the room she must have heard it. After Bowling went out no one entered the house.— The prisoner here said the witness had spoken a lot of _untruths. . .  Dr. Henry Love, of Mitcham, stated that he was called to prisoner's cottage on Saturday evening, and found the deceased lying on her left side, with her bead covered with blood. On examination he found that the right side of the skull had been smashed in, apparently by some blunt instrument. The flesh over the bone was pulpy and absolutely bruised. He shiiuld say the body had been dead& good many hours. Tliere had not been the least struggle. There was a wound above the eye, which seemed tube contused, and close to the principal wound. He should say that several blows were struck. There was another wound between the temple and right ear. By the bedside was a small table, off which lie picked a heavy hammer such as masons use, which was covered with dry blood and hair. Police-constable Cowley said that in company with Dr. Love he went to the room, and found the deceased, as described by last witness. Dr. Love handed him the hammer. _ . . . .  .........- ...... Inspector Butters, W division, stated that he received information of the murder,and went in search of the prisoner, whom lie found at a public-house. Calling the accused outside, witness said, " What time did you leave livilie this morning?" lie replied, 'At a quarter to 6." Witness continued. "Was Eliza alive when you left home this morning ?" and lie answered. 'Yes ;" whereupon witness said. "She is dead now, and I am going ti take you into custody for causing her death." When charged at the station he made no reply. Police-constableßinfield deposed to being on duty when the prisoner was brought in. The prisoner voluntarily said, "I thought they would have fetched me before. It was in my temper I done it." 1 Prisoner, on being asked by the chairman whether he bad any question to ask, said, " No, sir; I'll tell the truth, that's the best way. I did tell him 50.".Prisoner at this stage was remanded in custody.