The Express. — 1867-07-22 (London, England)

ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE.  HOME CIRCUIT.-CHELMSP/RD, JULY 20. THE MURDER AT DAGENHAM.  Ja.dri &semi, 24, a respectable•lookic labourer. was charged upon an indictment, and also by the coroner's in. quisition, with the wilful murder of his wife, Sarah Ann•• Bacon, by stabbing her in the thro..t with a knife on the tOith of March.  Mr. F.. 1. Smith prosecute!: and the prisoner was dr. fended by ierjeant Parry (who was specially retained) and Mr. t.ril6n.  The learned counsel for the prosecution, in opening the case to the jury, described it as one of a most painful and distressing character, the prisoner being charged with thi• wilful murder of his wife, a young woman about his own age. They were married about three years ago, and for some time they lived very happily together, but owing to the deceased getting into debt without his knowledge, and neglecting hi. children, to whom he was fondly attached. the prisoner appeared to have repeatedly made complaints, and there was no doubt that be was driven to a state of excitement and anger against theunfortunote woman, and, antler the induence of those feelings, he took away her life. It was admitted by all the witnesses that the prisoner was in a most depressed state on the day when the murder was committed, and that he exclaimed to one of them that Is would willingly give five shillings to anyone who would strike his head off at a blow. It alio appeared that wi!en be surrendered himself to a police-constable and told him what he hail done. and was cautioned to be careful what he said. as it would be used against him, he replied that he was aware of that, and that he was ready to suffer for what he had done. He also told the constable that no one could imagine what he had had to bear for the hurt month. The prisoner subsequently said he was so lull of grief that he could not eat anything, and he burst into a dood of tears. exclaiming, " I hope to God I have not killed her ; but I WI afraid I have, as I used the knife." After it had been ascertained that the deceased was dead, sad the charge was read over to him, he said, " I did not think it would have come to that."  The jury, after deliberating for about ten minutes. found the prisoner guilty of murder, but strongly recommended him to mercy on account of his good character and the circumstances under which the crime was committed.  Baron Martin having assumed the black tap, addressed the prisoner, and said that the jury had returned the only verdict they legally could do under the circumstances, and every one acquainted with the law of England must know that the offence was murder and nothing else. They had, however, recommended him to mercy, and be entirely concurred in that recommendation, and would at once forward it to the proper quarter, and would support it, and be had no doubt it would receive full consideration at the bands of her Majesty's advisers. The learned judge, who was much affected, then proceeded to pass sentence of death in the usual form.  The prisoner. who bad exhibited a great deal of emotion during the trial, addressed the judge and jury, and said, " I thank you, gentlemen," and he was then removed. It was stated that his po.ition had created so much sympathy in the neighbourhood that the gentry and principal tradesmen hail subscribed a sufficient sum for his defence.  THE POLICE COURT& _ 0_