The Sun. — 1864-09-10 (London, England)

BOW-STREET.  STRANGE DELUSION.—Thomas Renfree, a respectably dressed man, about 50 years of ago, was placed at the bar charged with annoying Miss Louisa Van Noorden, the eminent vocalist and pianist. The complainant said—l reside at 115, Great Russellstreet, Bloomsbury, The prisoner had been in the habit of annoying us, by calling upon us and saying he had very important business with us. This morning about six o'clock he came over from his lodgings, which are exactly opposite our house, and, after violently knocking at the door, said—" I have come to sue the lady of the house ; she has called me over and has informed me from the window that she cannot die without seeing me." The servant very properly refused to admit him, and he went away. About seven o'clock he came back again, and he said—" I have called to see the lady of the house ; she says she cannot die without seeing me. She tells me she had her throat cut by her husband last night, and that she must see me." He was refused admittance, and I then consulted the police as to the course I was to take supposing the prisoner called again. About 11 o'clock this morning he called again, and said there were three men on the roof of the house attempting to make a foreikle entry, Prisoner—l said four.  Mr Flower—Very well, but let the witness proceed. Prisoner—l went to the house because the lady was being murdered. She called out to me to come and see her.  Complainant—When the prisoner came on the last occasion I acted on the suggestion of the police, and gave him into custody.  Mr Flower—Now, prisoner, you can say what you please in answer to the charge.  Prisoner—Well, I called at the house by desire of the lady who was being murdered. She said she could not die until I had had an interview with her, and I think I ought to be allowed to see her.  Mr Burnaby, chief clerk—Are there any of the defendant's friends present ? Complainant—Yes, I think there are several. Mr Flower—Do I understand you to assert that you saw the lady who is dying, and that she spoke to you ? Defendant—Yes.  Mr Flower—When did you speak to her? Defendant—This morning. I spoke to her from the window. She said, "Oh Renfree speak to me, do speak to me. God bless you ; do come over to me." Mr Burnaby—You did not know her name then, although she knew yours ? Defendant—Pardon me. I did not say I did. Mr Flower—That is of no importance. Go on with your statement. Defendant—Not important I I think it is. My only only object in walking up and down outside the house was to see the poor helpless creature. I have witnesses in court who can speak to my respectability. I felt it my duty to interfere where murder was being committed.  Mr Watts, a gentleman residing in the same neighbourhood, said he had known the defendant for 10 or 12 years as a most respectable tradesman and dealer in minerals in Groat Russell-street. He had been lately given to habits of intemperance, and no doubt his mind had been affected. Mr Flower—He seems to be of unsound mind at the present time. Defendant—That may be your opinion. It is not so. I again say I interfered from a strong sense of duty. Mr Flower (the police inspector)—You had better take the defendant to the workhouse, where he will be seen by the surgeon. (To the defendant)—You will go with the inspector  Defendant—. Go with the inspector 1 I must obey the Lei w,