The Express. — 1868-07-21 (London, England)

MURDER AT HUTH.  Yesterday afternoon, at 2 o' clock, lir. C.J. Carttor, coroner for West Kent, opened an inquiry, at Enth into the circtunstanoes attendmg the death of a man, named James Bishop, who it was alleged expired on Sunday morning last, from the effects of injuries received on the previous Saturday night, at the hands of two young men named William Pink and John Fletcher, and, as stated, without any provocation on the part of ,the demised man. From the evidence of witnesses it appeared that the deceased was knocked down, beaten, and severely kicked, in the streets of Erith, by the prisoner Pink, whilst the prisoner Fletcher was standing near, but the latter did not appear to have taken any active part in the murderous assault. In reply to the coroner, the polio. authorities stated that they had most important evidence to adduce, and the inquest was then adjourned. At four o'clock the prisoners were placed at the bar of the Woolwich Police-court, before Mr. Maude, the sitting magistrate, on the charge. The case appeared to excite much interest, and the court was crowded. The following evidence was now taken':—Polioe-Sergeant 16 It, said on Saturday night he was sent for from the station to quell a disturbance in the streets. After the death of Bishop on Sunday morning he apprehended Fletcher for being concerned in the charge, but he denied it. Pink said that the deceased first struck him in the face, and he returned the blow. David Crankshaw, a millwright, residing at Royal-hill, Erith, said on the previous Saturday night about twenty minutes past 11 o'clock he was near the Prince of Wales public-house, when he saw the deceased man Bishop and Pink apparently lighting. Whilst Bishop was in the act of falling Fletcher kicked him on the right side. Witness said he was sure the man would be killed, and sent for some brandy, some of which was placed in his mouth. On the following morning witness went to the residence of the deceased, who was then dying. Thomas Valley said he beard a noise in the street on Saturday night, and being in bed got up to see what was the matter. He saw Fletcher jumping about, and Pink struck Bishop on his noes till it bled. Bishop was then reeling about. Pink struck him again and knocked him down, standing over him with his fist closed, and saying, " You —, if you lay there I will kill you." He then baled the decamped, and witness beard his head crack, and said, " The man is dead." The deoesaed was taken in the first place to Dr. Churton's, and from thence to his own home. James Halyard, an engineer, said be was going home at the time in question, and saw Pink strike the deceased several times in the manner described. The deceased had been in company with witness and other at a bean feast during the day, but the accused men were not there. He did not see Fletcher strike the deceased. In reply to Mr. Maude, the inspector who bad charge of the case said there was much additional evidence to bring forward. Mr. Maude— As the Maidstone Assizes will commence to-morrow, it is important for the prisoners that they should be committed during the present week. The prisoners were remanded.  AGRICULTURAL wow,