Stockton Herald, South Durham and Cleveland Advertiser. — 1859-07-09 (Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, England)

CHARGE OF MURDER AGAINST A  SURGEON.  Mr. Stephen Bell, surgeon, of Weston-super-Mare Infirmary, left Weston a few days ago for his native place, Falmouth, and on his arrival he became greatly excited in some family dispute with his mother, an aged lady, and sisters. High words arose and threatening language followed. Fearing that something more serious still might succeed, the family called in a friend named Captain Caddy, R.N., who was passing at the time. The captain endeavoured to pacify Mr. Bell by friendly persuasion, but, unfortunately, only succeeded in making matters worse. In a moment of rage Mr. Bell seized a spear, which was at hand, and stabbed Captain Caddy in the thigh, severing the femoral artery. The unfortunate gentleman fell before his as•ailant, and died in a few minutes. The dreadful event created indescribable terror in the minds of the aged mother and her terrified daughters. Assistance was immediately sought. Mr. Ballimore, a surgeon, and the police were soon on the spot. The former declared Captain Caddy quite dead, and the latter apprehended the assassin. The prisoner is about fifty years of age. The deceased formerly commanded the Swiftsure packet, in the post-office service, and was appointed by the Elder Brethren of the Trinity a sub-commissioner of pilots for the port of Fithaniuth. Ile was 67 years of age, and was much respected by a large circle of his fellow•townsinen and acquaintances. At the inquest, the first witnesses examined were two sisters of Mr. Stephen Bell. The poor ladies were deeply affected; and, from this circumstances and a natural unwillingness on their part to inculpate their brother, there was considerable difficulty in obtaining from them evidence on some of the main facts of the case. They and their brother were the only persons who witnessed the cause of the deceased's death ; their mother—a very infirm old lady—was at the time of the melancholy occurrence upstairs in bed, sad wholly unconscious of the proceedings below; the servant—a female—was at the time absent from the house.  Charlotte Bell said—My brother was very violent, and asked for money—he threatened my sister, and I went for Captain Caddy, the deceased, for help to quiet him. I was in the house when deceased arrived. My brother was then in the dining-room with my sister—be was still violent, asking for money, but we gave him none. Captain Caddy said he was acting as a friend, and desired my brother to leave the house, but he would not. The deceased then, through our desire, said he would send for a policeman unless toy brother quitted the house. We all entered into conversation, and then all went together into the passage. I then locked the dining-room door and jumped out of the window, and I next saw the deceased on the ground at the entrance to the house. My brother was violent to myself, my sister, and Captain Caddy—he threatened to knock my sister down—l did not see any weapon in my brother's hand. Mary Ann Bell, of Falmouth, spinster, deposed Yesterday afternoon, about six o'clock, I was sitting in our dining-room with my sister, and my brother Stephen called unexpectedly. I had not seen hint for twelvemonths past. Ile came for some money. My mother had been accustomed to make hint an allowance, which had been discontinued for some time. My brother was very violent becau-e we would not give him money. When my brother took the spear I thought he was merely going to damage the furniture. I did not see him strike the deceased with it. Captain Caddy desired him to be quiet and leave us at once. After the deceased was wounded he said he was hurt. My brother was then in the passage. Deceased was standing in the porch leaning against the wall, and he fell there. Captain Caddy was not in a passion. The jury, after a quarter of an hour's consultation, returned a verdict of" Wilful Murder against Stephen Bamfield Lovell Bell ;" and the deputy-coroner issued his warrant for the prisoner's committal to the county gaol, for trial at the next assizes.