The Times (London).
Wednesday, 4 March 1891.
THE WHITECHAPEL MURDER.
Before Mr. Mead, at the Thames Police-court, yesterday, JAMES THOMAS SADLER,
53, a marine fireman, was again brought up on remand, charged with causing
the death of Frances Coles by stabbing her with some sharp instrument on the
13th ult.
Mr. Mathews, instructed by Mr. Frayling, appeared on behalf of the Treasury;
and Mr. Lawless, barrister, instructed by Messrs. Wilson and Wallace,
represented the prisoner; Superintendent T. Arnold, H. division, Chief
Inspector D. Swanson, and Inspector Moore appeared for the police. Outside
the Court a considerable crowd assembled.
As soon as the accused was placed in the dock, Mr. Matthews said, - Having had
the advantage of a consultation with the learned Attorney-General, who has
carefully considered the evidence given in the course of the inquiry before
the coroner, as well as the most able summing up to the jury impanelled before
him, and having regard to the verdict returned by that jury, after a patient
and exhaustive inquiry, I do not propose, on the materials at present in our
possession, to proceed further with this prosecution, and, Sir, if it should
meet with your approval, it will have the sanction both of the learned
Attorney-General and of the Treasury authorities, that no further evidence
should now be offered against the accused.
Mr. Lawless. - I need hardly say, on behalf of the prisoner, that I have no
objection to that course.
Mr. MEAD. - Of course, I acquiesce in that course being taken. You are discharged.
Sergeant Baker (the gaoler), to the prisoner. - Go away.
Sadler then left the dock and went into the gaoler’s room, accompanied by his
solicitor. He did not leave the Court for some time after, in order to avoid
any demonstration on the part of the crowd outside. Ultimately a cab was drawn
up in the yard adjoining the Court, into which Sadler got with his solicitor.
As the vehicle drove away, the crowd cheered and ran after it. When in
Charles-street Sadler put his head out of the cab window and waved his hat.
