The Sun. — 1849-11-03 (London, England)

CLERKENWELL.  Charles Corby was further examined on the charge of having feloniously cut and wounded Mary Ann Noble, aged 22 years, with intent to murder her. Considerable interest was manifested, and the court was excessively crowded. The prisoner was described in the police-sheet as a watch finisher, residing in Prospect-place, St. Luke's. The following additional evidence was adduced : James Lee said, that after the prisoner kissed the injured woman he drew the razor across her throat. She screamed, and the blood flowed profusely from the wound. Prisoner (wildly)—My Lords, say what you like; I did it; it's the truth, I cut her throat. Witness continued—lt was a dreadful gash. He took the razor now produced from the prisoner ; it was covered with blood. Mr. HAmiaiLL—Did she say anything ? Witness —I did not hear her say anything. I said, "Charley, what have you done ?" He replied, " I don't know what I have been doing." After the injured woman received the wound she went down stairs, and witness remained with the prisoner until Sergeant White, G division, came and took the prisoner into custody. The prisoner was quite sober, but very much excited. Inspector Gray, G division, said that when the prisoner w as brought to the station-house he complained that the woman Noble, who cohabited with him, went to an improper house ; and it appeared that he was jealous of her, and she was in the habit of visiting the place against his will. The prisoner here burst into a flood of tears. Witness heard the prisoner say, in a threatening manner, that she (Noble) should be in heaven before nine o'clock in the morning. He was vexed and in a great passion. Mr. HammiLe—What did he particularly say about heaven ? Witness—He said to her, " I hope you will be in heaven before the night is over." Mr. HammieL—ln what mood was he When he said this ?—He spoke as if he was irritated. Inspector Gray produced the razor, which was covered with blood. Sergeant White said, that when he took the prisoner into custody and told him what he was charged with, he said wildly, " Where is Mary—is she dead ?" Witness told him she was not dead. He commenced stamping and tearing his hair, and exclaimed, " I shall be hanged for it ; oh, policeman, you don't know what love is." The prisoner here conducted himself in a frantic manner, making use of incoherent exclamations, such as " Oh, my dear love, my Mary, if you had come out with me when I asked you, this would not have happened. I have done it and I plead guilty. I am glad she is not dead ; but if she was dead I should be happy. I loved her as I loved my life. If she had come home to tea with me when I asked her, I would not have done it.'' Lucy Lee deposed that she was present, and her father handed the razor to her after he took it from the prisoner. There was blood upon it. She gave it to the officer. Miss Noble was employed by, her father as a cap maker. She came to work on Thursday morning at a quarter-past eight o'clock. About twenty minutes afterwards the prisoner came in. Witness always thought the prisoner was Miss Noble's husband. When he entered the room where they were at work he stood a little while, looked at Miss Noble, and never spoke to her. Prisoner (wildly)—Give me some grub ; give me some food. I have had nothing to eat all day. Oh ! my love, Mary. Witness—l heard him ask her where she had been. She replied, "Where have you been ?" She said she would not tell him. They went down stairs, and shortly afterwards returned together. He asked her to go home to breakfast and dinner. She refused to go. He then asked her to go to tea with him, and she refused. He then said, " Will you come home to-night ?" She said, "No." He then said, "Where are you going ?" she replied, " Where are you going to?" and he then left. He returned at about half-past ten o'clock. He stood at the fire-place and looked wildly  A resolution was agreed to, that this and other suggestions which had been made with the same object to the secretary, should be referred to the general committee. The Court then adjourned, the whole sitting not having occupied more than twenty minutes.