The Sun. — 1858-08-23 (London, England)

CIIILD MIIIIDEIL—At the Reading police-court,  en Friday, Mary Newell was placed at the bar, charged with the wilful murder of her infant on the 9th August by drowning it in the Thames in the King's Meadow. The unfortunate woman came into court weeping and looking very pale. She was accommodated with a seat near the dock, and, although she exhibited little outward emotion, yet it was evident from her appearance that she felt ncutely, the- serious position- in- which she was placed.. A great crowd bad assembled outside theyediee-coatto while at number of persons were present during the examination., all of whom seemed to compassionate the unhappy prisoner, the  general impression being that she had been driven to despe ration, and had committed the act from the heartless treat cunt she had received. The evidence as given at the inquest was read over to the several witnesses and confirmed, the  prisoner declining to ask any questions of either of them.  The usual caution _ baying been given to the prisoner,  she made the following statement :—I have known William Francis these six years, and have been in service ever since  I knew him. I left Mr. he's last August, and came to Reading to seek for another situation, and going home I met with him in the street. Ile, knowing me, asked me how I was, and if I would go and have something to drink. I refused, but by being persuaded I went, and was in his company some hours. He asked me if I was engaged, for he wanted a wife, but he did not want to marry yet. He said his sister was keeping his house. When we parted lie did not ask me my address, or where I was going, nor anything, and I thought he did not care anything about me, only for his own ends. I had a situation, and I went to it. I stayed two months and a fortnight, but I was so unwell I was obliged to leave. I came home and stayed with my mother until I got better. Then I came to Reading and told him bow I was, and asked him what I was to do. He knew that I was in trouble by him. He said he did not know what I was to do, for he was engaged. He could nut have me, but he would keep the child. I said "Why not have me as well as any one else ?" as he knew that I was in trouble by him. After that I went to the union. There I stayed until the 9th August. I came out with the intention of going to Shepherds' Green, but I altered my mind, and came to Reading, and got to Reading about half-past seven. Ile was not in the shop when I went there. llis sister and some one else were picking fowls. I asked her where her brother was. She said he would be in in a few minutes. He came in. I asked wctargeiv whate ul I did ; any t moor• He put on his coat and went out with the him what Ile thought of the baby. I told him I wanted ed— hehe did would dot no some money. I asked hint what he intended to do, and what I was asmigtohtdod.o as Il e said I li person who was picking the fowls. His sister said it was io use for me to wait, for he might not be home until 11 or 12, and being destitute of a farthing,, I walked about to see if I could see anything of him. I saw no tidings of him. The temptation was very great to lead me t- do what I did. He so frowned on me and the dear baby—which lie knew was his—it drove me to do what I never thought of before. I went on the road for home, and went inside a field and sat under a hedge till morning, and on Tuesday I went home. Mother asked me what I had done with it—where the baby was. I said I couldn't tell her. I then told her I lied put it out. The mayor, addressing the prisoner, said ; You are committed to the county gaol to take your trial at the ensuing assizes.