Widnes Examiner. — 1892-05-14 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

LUNATIC IN A CATHOLIC CHAPEL. EXCITING SCENE AT NEWTON.  Worshippers at the early morning service in the , church of St. Mary and St. John, Newton, were witnesses of an unusual and exciting scene, which ' took place in the chapel on Tuesday morning. To digress a little, on Monday about mid-day a strange man appeared at the entrance to the chapel, and walking up the aisle, proceeded to the chancel, where he divested himself of his clogs and coat, but on being requested by a domestic in the employ of Father Lennon, he quietly left the chapel. Nothing further was thought of the incident, until Tuesday morning, when it was unpleasantly revived. About eight o'clock, just as the service had concluded, and before the worshippers had left the chapel, a man, who was subsequently identified as the one who behaved so strangely the preceding day, rushed up the aisle in an excited state, towards the chancel, shouting the while in an unintelligible manner. Ile entered the chancel, and at once divested himself of his clogs and coat,which he placed within the altar rails, whilst his cap he threw upon the altar table. He then faced the people in the church, and began to expose his breast, shouting at the top of his voice that he would show the people what he hed suffered. Father Lennon, who had been officiating, was much concerned at such unseemly behaviour, but Father Holmes, of Preston, who was present in the church, set about ejecting the unwelcome visitor. Whilst doing so, the man attempted to strike the reverend gentleman, but the latter suceeded in putting him outside. When be got to the door, he said he was going that day to shoot Lord Gerrard. Father Lennon, having to leave home, gave orders for the church doors and the doors of his house to be kept locked,and he sent word to Sergeant Longworth informing him of what had occurred and asking him to keep a watch for the man, who he considered was dangerous. The individual, however, eluded the vigilance of the police, and made his appearance again at the church, but finding the doors locked, he went away. On inquiry it was found that the offender was a collier named Mark Jones, living at Railway View, Burton. wood. He is a married man, but has for some time been separated from his wife. About five months ago it was noticed that he was rather strange in his manner, and he has gradually become worse, until it has been considered unsafe for him to be at large. After his escapade at Newton, he appears to have returned to Burtonwood, where it is said he threw a brick at a man, but missing its mark, it struck his own brother and injured him. He then entered a shop in the village, and seizing a large knife, flourished it in such a threatening manner as to cause the occupants to seek safety in the street. On Wednesday morning he made his way to Collins Green Colliery, and seeing a can, he drank the contents. The owner of the can remonstrated, but the lunatic seizing a large iron wrench,struck at the man's head, though fortunately he evaded the blow. The man was then seized and bound hand and foot, and P. C. Grundy was sent for, on whose arrival the colliery people provided a conveyance and Jones was taken to Newton. On arrival at the Town Hall, he was examined by Dr. Watkins, who certified that he was of unsound mind, and Mr. T. Peare.cn ordered his committal to an asylum, Mr. Bowes, relieving officer, then took charge of him and conveyed him to Rainkill Asylum.  The bodies of tw o women were found in a pond at Highgate on Thursday morning. They were still warm when extricated, but efforts to restore life failed. There is every appearance that it is a case of double suicide, heavy atones being found in each woman's pocket,