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Kentish Gazette 19 May 1857.
LOVE AND MURDER.
On Thursday last this city was thrown into great consternation, by a
report that at an early hour in the morning a lover had shot his
sweetheart, and which report, we regret to state, proved but too true.
It appears that for some two years and upwards a young couple—Stephen
Fox, a plane maker, aged 23, and Mary Ann Hadley, 25, had walked
together, and were engaged to be married; but in consequence of a little
faux pas, the lass determined to have no further connumication with her
lover, and accordingly forbade his going to her house, she residing with
her father and mother who are in humble circumstances, in Cold-harbor
Lane, Northgate. He went to the house both on Monday and Tuesday
mornings, and after several unsuccessful visits obtained an interview,
to get an explanation, as he alleged, of the unpleasantness that had
arisen between them, and as he thought matters were made all right; but
after they parted she sent him a note (which will be found in the
inquest), alluding to the real cause of her estranged feelings, it
appearing that he had lately had an illegitimate child sworn to him.
Exasperated by his disappointment, he provided himself with a brace of
pistols, powder, and balls, with which he determined to take the life of
the unhappy girl, who he thought had deceived him. Having intimated his
purpose to one Edward Gurney, a gardener, he thought it his duty to
apprise the police, two of whom accordingly proceeded on Wednesday
evening to apprehend the prisoner; but finding, on searching, nothing of
a deadly nature, and that in fact he was perfectly cool and quiet, they
hesitated, and more particularly when no one would give him in charge,
and the mother of the deceased expressed a disinclination to appear
before the magistrates in substantiation of her complaint, as she was
informed would be necessary. Fox consequently was allowed to remain at
large; but it would appear that the girl, apprehending he would carry
his threats into execution, slept at the house of Gurney; and on
emerging with him in the morning, and proceeding to her employment at a
laundress’s named Carter, on the Sturry road, she was suddenly pounced
upon and shot. The prison had either been out all night or was up at a
very early hour in the morning, as he was seen at half-past four by a
policeman, whom he has since stated that he should have shot had he
spoken to him. Having been secured by Gurney and others after the fatal
deed, the prisoner was given over to the police.
THE MAGISTERIAL INQUIRY.
Shortly after ten an inquest was opened at the "Cambridge Arms," by Mr.
T. T. Delasaux, when the evidence was taken as afterwards given before
the magistrates, who held a special sitting at three in the afternoon.
There were on the bench Mr. Alderman Brent (in the chair), Mr. Alderman
Masters, Messrs. Holttum, Wootton, Philpott, and Love; and immediately
on the opening of the doors there was such a rush as to endanger limb
and life, and every part of the Guildhall was crowded to suffocation,
while hundreds remained outside in a state of excitement.
Edward Gurney was the first witness called. He deposed that he was a
gardener, residing in Northgate-street, and knew he prisoner at the bar.
Had known him twelve months and upwards; and also knew Mary Ann Hadley,
a single-woman, who resided in Cold Harbour-lane, with her father and
mother, nearly opposite his house. She slept at his house last night,
from a fear that she entertained of her young man, whom she saw at a
quarter past eight last evening when he returned from his garden. He
asked the prisoner then what was the matter with him, and he replied
that he had been deceived by Miss Hadley. He (witness) told him not to
mind about that, and then he asked him if he (witness) could keep a
secret, and receiving an assurance in the affirmative, he said "will you
upon your oath" and witness replied again "Yes." He then drew a pistol
from his right hand pocket and said that should be her doom that night.
Witness told him not to be so rash, but go in with him and have a wash,
and they would have a glass together. He came to his house, and they
went together to the "Cambridge Arms," opposite the Infantry Barracks,
where he had a bottle of ginger beer and witness a pint of porter. While
there Mrs. Hadley and her sister came in, and after he (witness) had had
come conversation with Mrs. Hadley, the prisoner drank up his ginger
beer and said "I’m off." Witness asked him to stop a minute as he had
not drunk his porter; but he said "No — I'm off." Witness afterwards saw
him down the street by his (witness’s) house - it was then about ten
o’clock. Prisoner was then talking to Mrs. Hadley and her sister, and
the former went towards the "Cambridge Arms" for a policeman, and the
prisoner went down the street — Mrs. Hadley afterwards returned to her
house, when prisoner came out of her gate. Witness went after him and
persuaded him to go home, and said "what do you want — you’d better by
half do what I tell you." To which he replied that he would not until he
had seen the girl, and in the meantime Mrs. Hadley proceeded to the
station-house for a policeman, and the prisoner went after her. Two
policemen afterwards went to the house, and prisoner came out at the
back. The (witness) saw no more of him till that morning, when about ten
minutes before seven he came out as did the deceased who had slept at
his house, and went in the direction of Vauxhall. It was in consequence
of what the prisoner said to him the previous night that he accompanied
her on leaving his house, and when opposite the last barrack gate, close
to the forge, the prisoner came from the passage between the two
buildings (the new barracks and the forge). He had a pistol in each
hand, cocked and capped; and said to witness, "If you offer to resist I
will shoot you as well as her." He said "Stephen, for God's sake don’t
do so." The young woman said "Let me go." He stepped back and fired both
pistols, and the woman, who was shot, fell to the hedge. Witness
immediately took him, when he said he only wished he had some more of
them or a revolver, as he would not have been taken as he was. A person
named Muir accompanied them to the station. Witness then gave prisoner
into the charge of Epps—having previously taken the pistols from him.
When Epps took from him his things he said there were four bullets and
he hoped the other two had gone through her. Witness did not afterwards
see Mary Ann Hadley alive—he subsequently saw her body at Mr. Carter's,
at Vauxhall, where she was in the habit of going to work.
James Epps, police constable—Was at the station-house at seven o’clock
that morning, when the prisoner was brought in by last witness and
another person named Muir, on a charge of shooting a young woman named
Hadley, who washed for Mrs. Carter. Having taken the prisoner into the
office, witness called the Superintendent, and he (witness) searched the
prisoner, and found 1s. 01/2d. in copper on him, a powder horn, and port
monnaie, in which were four bullets. Gurney said it was a bad job, and
the prisoner replied there were six bullets in the port monnaie, and he
hoped the other two had gone through her. In the same port monnaie were
four percussion caps. He also found on him a stick which the prisoner
said he had made for a ramrod. He further found on him a letter which
the mother identified as having been written by her daughter. Witness
asked him if he wanted any water to which he replied no—he was happy and
comfortable. After Mr. Andrews had been to the station house and
requested witness to keep a particular eye on the prisoner, he said "She
had brought it on herself by deceiving him." He said they had known one
another for nearly two years and a half and never had had a misword.
They went together to St. Peter’s chapel twice on Sunday last, as it had
been their practice. He had appointed to meet her at eight on Monday
night, and went to her mother’s but could not see her. He also went on
the Tuesday but could not see her. He had once before been deceived in
love and he did not mean to be so again—she knew that he loved her; and
that every thing had been arranged for them to go down into the shires
at the beginning of June. He also made an observation that if the police
had attacked him last night he should have shot them, being determined
to do something. He said he did not think she had suffered much
according to what the doctor had stated. Witness asked him if she fell
from the first shot, to which he said "no—if she had, I intended the
other for myself."
James Mills, gunsmith, of Westgate Without—The prisoner came to him
between four and five the previous afternoon, and asked to look at a
brace of pistols which were in the window, which he handed to him. He
then said he did not want to purchase them. He wanted them to hire as
the amateurs were about to perform, and he gave his name Fox, plane
maker, working for Mr. Goulden. Asking him how he came to that end of
the town, when Mr. Gudgen was so much nearer, he said he had a brace off
him some time back to go to the masquerade, and he unfortunately lost
one, and thought he overcharged him in the sum of 5s., which witness
said was only reasonable; and not doubting his respectability agreed to
let him have the brace till the morning for 2s. 6d., which he at once
paid. He took the pistols, and asked how much powder it required to load
them, which witness told him. He then bought one ounce of powder and
from ten to twenty caps. He did not supply him with any bullets. He
identified the caps produced as those which he had sold.
Superintendent Clements—Was called about a quarter past seven, and found
the prisoner, Gurney, and Epps in the room; Gurney informed him that the
prisoner had that morning shot a young woman named Hadley; asked him if
she was dead, and he said he did not know; said it was a sad affair, to
which the prisoner replied that he was glad in his heart that he had
done it as she had deceived him; left him in charge of Epps with strict
orders not to lose sight of him, and proceeded to Carter’s, at Vauxhall,
with Gurney, where he saw Mary Ann Hadley dead. Elizabeth Scrivens, who
attended her handed him the clothes produced, consisting of a black cape
and a petticoat which bore a bullet hole, and the latter was saturated
with blood. The hole in the cape was as if from the first shot as it was
not in the direction of that in the petticoat, On his return to the
stationhouse he informed the prisoner of the death of the young woman,
to which he answered it could not be helped-he would meet his fate like
a man. Witness then left him in charge of a policeman.
Elizabeth Ann Scrivens, a married woman of Northgate-Had seen the
prisoner backwards and forwards on the Vauxhall Road to meet the
deceased the last six months. Knew the deceased he saw ten minutes
before seven that morning on the Vauxhall Road with Mr Gurney-they were
walking together in conversation, passed her, and wished her good
morning. When near the last barrack-gate, she saw the prisoner come from
the side ally with something in each hand, and she heard two reports. He
looked straight at her (witness) and attempted to escape up the alley.
Deceased ran a few steps, and was caught in the act of falling by a man.
Witness ran to Mr Carter's and obtained assistance, and deceased was
brought in she did not speak that witness new of. She gasped but once
after he was taken upstairs and Mr. T. Andrews was sent for. Witness
took off the clothes-there was a hole in the right side of the
petticoat, and a hole through her mackintosh; her left finger was much
hurt, and there was an injury on the back of the hand. She believed the
hole in the petticoat with been occasioned by a button being torn off.
They were very close, but she did not hear any words between them.
Steven Baker, labourer-Saw the prisoner a little before six in the
morning in the alley between the barracks, and that he came therefrom
about a quarter before seven, holding two pistols before him, both of
which he fired at the deceased, who was in the company of Mr Gurney. She
ran towards witness, saying "Oh dear! young man, do hold me up." He
asked her where she was wounded, and placed her hand on her thigh and
said "hear;" the blood poured forth, and they took her to Mr. Carter's.
After they laid he down they gave her a little water but she could not
drink it. Half an hour afterwards she said in broken accents, with a
sigh, "Mo-ther." He did not leave her till the surgeon had been.
Mr. T. Andrews, surgeon—Was called at seven o'clock in the morning and
went to Mr. Carter’s, Vauxhall, and found in the washhouse there Mary
Ann Hadley in a dying state from haemorrhage from a wound in the upper
part of the right thigh, which wound, in his opinion, was caused by a
bullet, that passed through the femoral artery. He remained with her
till she died, which occurred in a few minutes. She was speechless and
unconscious.
PRISONER'S DEFENCE.
The prisoner having received the usual caution and asked whether he had
anything to say, replied that he had. He said:—The reason I did it was
because she deceived me. I had promised her marriage, to which she
consented. I went to her house on Monday evening, and she was not at
home; I left at nine, and went again on Tuesday at six o'clock, and she
was again not at home. I asked her mother where she was. She said she
did not know. I stayed till half-past nine; then went to the house
again, and stayed till a quarter past ten, when she returned. We went
into the front room, and I asked her the reason of this unpleasantness;
she said it was my own fault. I said, "Be it so; then give me a decided
answer—yes or no. Then I will leave you for ever." She said, "No,
Stephen—I will meet you to-morrow night precisely at eight o’clock"
(which was last evening). She did not do so. I went to her house at
seven, and asked her mother whether she had come home; and she said yes,
and had gone out again. I went to Mrs. Carter's, Vauxhall, and inquired
for her there; but they did not know where she was. Therefore, I
returned to Mr. Gurney’s house. Did not see her, as she would not see
me, until this morning at seven o’clock, when she said, "Stephen,
forgive me." I said, "No, I can’t." I kept company with her two years,
and never had a mis-word till Monday evening.
He was then committed in the usual way to the city gaol till the Kent
Assizes, and there to be tried for the wilful murder of Mary Ann Hadley.
The announcement was received with an apparent delight, and he looked
about the Court as if to obtain recognitions of acquaintances.
Soon afterwards he was placed in a fly between two policemen and two
others outside, and driven with speed to the city gaol, followed by a
great concourse of persons anxious to obtain a glimpse of his features.
THE INQUEST.
The inquest was held at the "Cambridge Arms," and the jury having taken
a view of the body, which lay at Carter’s, where deceased was at first
conveyed after the lamentable affair, the following evidence was taken.
In addition to the foregoing, Gurney stated that he knew the prisoner
had paid his addresses to the deceased the last two years, and that he
had frequently seen them together. On the occasion of prisoner showing
him the pistol he said it was loaded with bullet, at the same time
taking from his coat pocket a small bag containing four bullets, saying
if this won’t do for her the other four will. While at the "Cambridge
Arms" he (witness) tried to dissuade him from his purpose, telling him
what a shocking thing it would be if he took the young woman’s life, as
he would be sure to be hanged for it. He replied that he did not care a
_____ about being hung on a scaffold no more than shooting her. Witness
went home but prisoner continued to walk about the locality for the
space of ten minutes; and he got over a gate leading to the premises of
deceased’s father, and afterwards continued to walk about until between
10 and 11, when two policemen came, after which prisoner went away. The
deceased then, at about half-past eleven, went to his (witness’s) house,
where she slept with his wife. When the prisoner rushed out upon them as
he was accompanying deceased to her work in the morning, prisoner said
to him, "If you come one step further I will blow your brains out."
Deceased attempted to cross the road to the footpath—prisoner pursued
her, and discharged both pistols at her. On going to the station house
the prisoner said "I wish I had had more of these things (alluding to
the pistols) or a revolver, as then you would not have got me, as I did
not mean to be taken." When the bullets were taken from his pocket, he
said "he hoped the others had gone through her." (This expression caused
some sensation in the inquest room).
Harriet, the wife of Edward Hadley, bricklayer, stated that the deceased
was her daughter, and aged 25 years. Stephen Fox had been paying his
addresses to her for about 18 months, and she had frequently seen them
together. He was at her house the previous morning about nine o’clock
until a quarter past twelve, and then he left to go home to dinner.
During the time he was there, he said he wanted to see Mary Ann, and
then they would make it all right. Witness replied "No, Stephen—you are
quite mistaken; for she does not intend to have any thing more to do
with you, although I have had nothing to do with breaking it off. You
know I never liked you, nor did any of my family, for we did not like
your behaviour nor the character you have got.” Her daughter came home
at six o'clock in the evening, and continued there till she left to go
to Mr. Gurney’s. Stephen Fox came to her house again in the evening,
between six and eight, and asked for Polly, meaning the deceased, who
was at home, but she (witness) refused him, saying that her daughter did
not wish to see him. He then went away, and witness afterwards went to
the "Cambridge Arms" and there saw Stephen Fox in company with Edward
Gurney. About nine o’clock she again saw Fox at her door, and again told
him he could not see her daughter. Gurney told him it was no use his
waiting, but he said he would, on which she told him if he would he must
go to the upper end of the lane; and she then went and found a policeman
on his beat and afterwards went home. To her surprise on knocking at the
door Stephen Fox opened it, and let her in; and she said "What! is it
you, Stephen?" and he said "Yes—it is." He then went away, and she
fastened the door. At about half-past ten she went to the station house
and saw Mr. Clements, the superintendent, and on her representing to him
the conduct of Stephen Fox, the superintendent sent a police constable
with her, and was accompanied by another policeman with whom they met in
Northgate. After some more time had elapsed they found Stephen Fox
between New Ruttington-lane and Union-street, when she said to him "You
say you want two more words with Mary Ann—yes or no? If you will let
these men search you, you may come up," to which he replied "I shall not
come to your house to-night. I will come in the morning." She said
"No—you shall not come in the morning—you shall not come to my house any
more;" and he replied "Very well," and went away. One of the policemen
then said to him what have you got there, and he replied "A cigar case,"
and pulled something out of his pocket and said what it was, but she
forgot what he said. One of the policemen then said "We cannot take him,
unless you give him in charge." To which she replied, "I do give him in
charge." Fox then said, "What have I been doing?” and one of the
policemen answered "You be off," and he left. The letter now produced
she was satisfied her deceased daughter wrote to Stephen Fox on Tuesday
last.
The following is a copy of the letter alluded to:—
Sir—Your conduct of late has been anything but what it should be when a
young man considered himself engaged. You have all the way along
strongly denied having any connexion with Miss B., but I am sorry to say
that I have during the last week been fully convinced that your
statement is not a correct one, and that you have to pay for its
maintenance; and therefore I think, as such is the case, I had better at
once break off the engagement. Yours, &c.,
Mary Ann Hadley.
Tuesday Evening, May 12, 1857.
P.S. You can have your clothes and the things that I have of yours on
Saturday next.
To the policeman Epps, who had the prisoner in custody, he stated that
for two years and five months, while they had kept company, they had
never had a miss word, and that he could not assign any cause for her
refusing to see him. He stated that he had been saving money to go into
Gloucestershire with her, and get a comfortable house. The policeman
added that his parents were respectable—had formerly been in the farming
line, but were now somewhat reduced.
George Twell, a private in the 2nd Dragoon Guards—Was on sentry that
morning near the forge in the Cavalry Barracks, and saw the man who was
made prisoner (Stephen Fox) about a quarter past six, who looked in the
barrack-gate. Witness said to him, "Good morning," but he made no reply.
he went in the direction of the Sturry road.
About seven o'clock witness saw the witness Gurney and a young woman
coming towards him, and proceeding in the direction of the Vauxhall, and
when they had reached the last gate of the barracks he heard the
prisoner exclaim, "Stand or you must die!" She replied, "Do not." But he
immediately discharged two pistols at her. She ran about twenty yards,
and he then lost sight of her.
In the other witnesses' evidence there was nothing material in addition
to, or varying from that taken before the magistrates.
The coroner in summing up, observed that it was not necessary for him to
recapitulate the evidence, because having been taken so recently, and
from the great attention the jury had paid, he had no doubt it was fully
impressed on their minds. It was almost unnecessary too for him to point
out the nature of the law. To affix the charge of murder, he would just
tell them that it was only necessary to prove on the part of the person
who took away the life of another that he did so with premeditation, And
perhaps there never was a case more strongly marked with premeditation
than the one now before them. If they believed the testimony which they
had heard, and of which there could not be the slightest doubt, he
feared they could not come to other conclusion than that this man took
away the life of the poor girl, and that therefore their verdict must be
one of wilful murder. It was not necessary in law to point out at the
coroner’s inquisition the description of the wound inflicted. All that
was requisite was that they should have it shewn that it was by such
wound a party died. The testimony in the present instance shewed beyond
all doubt that Stephen Fox inflicted the pistol shot by which the poor
girl met her death, and that he had been heard to express his
determination to take her life—he was seen to do the act, and was
immediately arrested by Edward Gurney, whose conduct throughout the
transaction had been most creditable. He (the coroner) thought the jury
must at once come to the conclusion that Stephen Fox had been guilty of
a most deliberate murder.
The jury immediately returned a unanimous verdict of "Wilful murder
against Stephen Fox," for whose committal to the assizes for trial the
coroner forthwith made out his warrant.
FUNERAL OF THE MURDERED GIRL.
On Sunday afternoon the last sad office was performed towards the
remains of the unfortunate Mary Ann Hadley, who was murdered by her
lover, as stated in another place. The interment was appointed to take
place in St. Gregory’s cemetery, within which district her parents
resided; and some hundreds of persons from all parts assembled to
witness the mournful ceremony. The Rev. — Pearson and the Rev. E.
Woodall officiated. The latter gentleman read that portion of the
sublime service which is usually gone through in the church, which was
crowded to overflowing, and greater numbers congregated in and about the
cemetery. Deep sympathy was evinced for the fate of the unhappy girl and
the bereaved relatives, and the service was listened to with decent
attention. The Rev. E. Woodall, in some appropriate remarks which he
addressed on the occasion, sought to soothe the hearts of the mourners,
while holding out a special warning to the young under like
circumstances.
In the evening the Rev. R. Rymer, minister of the Wesleyan chapel, also
sought to improve the occasion by preaching an excellent discourse of
warning and advice. It was to this chapel the deceased was in the habit
of going, accompanied by her lover, and was there twice on the Sunday
previous to her murder.
THE PRISONER.
Since his committal he has manifested the utmost indifference when
spoken to about his crime, and, indeed, treats it altogether with levity,
as if entertaining an inward satisfaction at having done what he has. To
the chaplain, as well as to the Wesleyan minister who has visited him,
he does not express any regret for what he has done. All he has said has
been to express a hope that the deceased is in heaven, where he hopes
soon to join her. He declares he will meet his fate like a man. Such
callousness we we hope yet to see give way to religious impressions. He
has been visited by his father, who appeared more affected than himself.
MAGISTERIAL INQUIRY INTO THE CONDUCT OF THE POLICE.
In consequence of the general reprobation of the police in not arresting
the murderer Fox on the night previous to his carrying his threats into
execution, and when it is thought the same might have been prevented,
the magistrates assembled to the number of nine yesterday afternoon to
investigate the circumstance attending the melancholy affair—having
Inspector Parker and Police constable Elvy before them as accused of
neglecting their duty. The following evidence was taken:—
Edward Gurney—Heard the threats on Wednesday night. Saw Stephen Fox
about a quarter past eight in the evening, when he showed witness a
pistol with which he stated his intention to take the life of Mary Ann
Hadley; on which, while he kept Fox in tow, his wife went to Mrs. Hadley
to communicate the fact to her. About half-past nine he saw police
constable Elvy on the beat, who inquired of him where the man was who
was going to blow his brains out. To which he replied "There he goes,"
pointing to Fox who was passing; on which Elvy proceeded after him.
Shortly after ten he saw Elvy and Inspector Parker come up with Mrs.
Hadley and go down to her house in Cold Harbour-lane. While there Fox
ran out a back lane and on intimation being conveyed to them, they
pursued him. Parker advanced to him (witness) and asked if Fox had
pistols, and he replied in the affirmative, and stated that he likewise
had four bullets. The pistol shown him was capped—he did not know
whether it was loaded further than what he stated. He had no chance of
getting to the police in consequence of keeping Fox in tow. He had him
in his house to take care of him, but it did not occur to him to take
him into custody. It was his intention when he went to the "Cambridge
Arms" to get Mr. Wall to take him in custody, but he was not indoors. He
sent for the police in consequence of the threats.
By Inspector Parker—Saw him come up the street with Elvy and Mrs.
Hadley—it was shortly after ten, he did not come and speak to him till
he returned from the lane; Elvy ran after the prisoner, and you and Mrs.
Hadley cameo across and asked him if Fox had pistols, did not say
anything about the affair till he inquired.
By Elvy—I don't believe you said where was the man who was going to
shoot himself and other people.
Harriet Hadley, the mother of the deceased, was then called. She
appeared attired in deep mourning, and was somewhat affected by her
position. She stated that in consequence of the information she received
from Mrs. Gurney on the night in question she went to the station-house
and saw Superintendent Clements and Inspector Parker, and told the
Superintendent that she had come as she had heard that Fox had pistols
and she considered her daughter’s life in danger, he said "if you give
him in him charge you must appear in the morning to which she said that
was a very unpleasant thing, but she considered her daughter’s life in
danger," and he called Mr. Parker to go with her, and told her that they
would meet with a policeman. She left with Parker, and in proceeding up
Northgate met with the other policeman. She told Parker about the
concern — of her daughter’s life being in danger, as Mr. Gurney had seen
the pistols. She did not give any charge to Parker before they met the
other policeman, and then she repeated the story. He crossed to Gurney,
and afterwards all three of them went down the lane, when they were met
by Mrs. Gurney, who bade them to search, as Fox had run down Northgate.
When they caught Fox up, between Huttington-lane and Union-street, the
policeman who had pursued him asked him what he had got there, and took
hold of his coat. He replied, "a cigar case," and he pulled something
out of his other pocket, and she said that he had pistols. He said he
had not. She said—"You want one word with Mary Ann—yes or no; let these
men search you, and let them come down, and you shall see her." He said,
"I shall not come to your house to-night; but shall in the morning." She
said then he should not come to her house any more; when one of the
policemen said—she could not say which,—"You must give him in charge, or
we can’t take him." She replied, "I give him in charge." Fox said, "What
have I done;" and the policeman, she thought Parker, said, "You be off,
and let me catch you up here any more to-night and we will take you."
They then departed, and Fox left; and the policeman said, "He hasn’t any
pistols, and I don’t think he has had any." She saw no more of them. The
policeman did not put his hand into his pocket when Fox said it was a
cigar case that he had get there.
By Capt. Love.—She did not tell Fox that if he called in the morning she
would give him in charge.
By Parker.—They did not search Fox when by the side at the King's Head.
By Elvey.—Did not see Fox take a portmonaie out of one pocket, and his
cigar case and handkerchief out of the other.
Superintendent Clements.—On Wednesday night about ten o'clock Mrs.
Hadley came to the station-house, and stated that she had been informed
that Stephen Fox had been making some threats against her daughter, to
Mr. Gurney and showed some pistols, and he directed Parker to accompany
her and take the man on the beat with him—see Mr. Gurney, and find the
young man if he could—to search him and take his pistols away from him
if he had any, and bring him to the station-house. He waited up till
twelve and heard no more of the affair.
By Alderman Masters.—He got no answer from those whom he sent on this
mission. It was usual to report to him.
Mr. Wootton.—There was no capture.
Mr. Mount.—There was no report to make.
Examination continued.—Next morning he saw Parker in Northgate and
expressed his surprise that he had not brought that young man in
Northgate, after what occurred; he said he had found and he searched him
with Elvy—that he had no pistols on him; and Mrs. Hadley would not give
him in charge.
Alderman Masters.—You had directed him to bring him to the
station-house?—Yes.
Superintendent Clements repeated that he thought he knew better than
that, as he did not require the charge after what he knew; he then left
him.
By Mr. Wootton.—Did not always take a man to the station-house to search
him.
Mr. Matthews.—It was usual for report to be made in a special ease— not
hearing anything of it he concluded that it was one of the usual
groundless charges that was made. It would have taken him about an hour
to go round the beat.
By Parker—You told me if I found anything about the young man, to bring
him to the station-house.
By Alderman Masters—The rules were not read over once a month—every man
had a copy of them—he did not know that it was part of his duty to read
them over.
Police-constable Epps—Was at the station-house at the time referred to
when Mrs. Hadley came, and having stated the purpose of her coming
stated that she wished to give Fox in charge for threatening the life of
her daughter; to which the Superintendent answered if she did so, she
must appear against him in the morning. She said that would be very
unpleasant. The Superintendent stated that she must put up with that if
she gave him in charge; and then she said she understood that Fox had
shewn the pistols to Gurney, but she had not seen them herself; and the
Superintendent said he would send Parker with her. Thc Superintendent
said to Parker "You had better call on Mr. Gurney and then you will know
better how to act; and if Mrs. Hadley gives him into custody search him
and bring him to the station-house. He told Parker to see Elvey on the
beat and take him with him.
By the Mayor—It was his impression that Parker was to bring Fox to the
station if she gave him into custody.
Parker returned to the station just upon twelve, and said he had seen
him and searched him, but found nothing on him.
Mr. Mount—There appears a great mistake among the police that they are
not to take an individual into custody unless given in charge. They
should take any person they knew about to commit a felony.
Parker in defence against the charge of neglect recapitulated the
circumstance of Mrs. Hadley coming to the police station to represent
what she had heard of her daughter's life being in danger through Fox;
and on the directions given to him in accompanying her, it was to search
him, and if he had anything about him he was to take him into custody.
Gurney told him that Fox had shewn him one pistol, and told him that he
had another; on which he traced out Fox and desired to know what he had
about him and searched him; and all they found were a cigar case and a
portmonnie—the former of which he drew partially out. He did not examine
the contents of the purse. On this he said to Mrs. Hadley there was no
firearms or anything about him. He then related the subsequent
conversation, and that when Fox said he should come in the morning, she
replied if he did, she should give him in charge.
Elvy said he heard no conversation between the Superintendent and Mrs.
Hadley. She related to him that she had heard of Fox’s threats, and he
informed her that if she had any complaint to make if she did so in the
morning before the magistrates, they would have him up. When he searched
Fox he found only the articles enumerated. He should have taken him into
custody had his inspector bade him.
After an absence of half an hour, the bench returned, and announced
their decision to suspend Parker for six months and Elvy for one month.
It appeared to be very clear by the Act which was before the bench, that
either the Watch Committee or two justices had power either to fine to
the extent of 40s. any constable convicted of negligence in the
discharge of his duty, or imprison ten days, or suspend as distinct from
the fine. The power of restoration likewise being vested in two
justices. And it is further laid down as the duty of the constables to
apprehend any persons whom they suspected of an intention to commit a
felony, without waiting for their being given in charge.
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