The Times (22/Sep/1891) - Arrest for Murder
The Linthwaite Murder.
The prisoner, James Stockwell, was removed early yesterday morning from Wakefield Gaol to Huddersfield, and was brought up at a special sitting of the County Justices charged with the murder of Catherine Dennis, servant at the Ivy Hotel, Linthwaite, on August 21. Mr. Fletcher conducted the case for the Crown, and Mr. J. Lewis Sykes defended the prisoner. Mr. Fletcher opened the case with great moderation, and in reciting the facts he said he should prove that the prisoner, when handed over by the borough authorities, voluntarily made the following statement "It is no use going so far round about it. I may as well get it over at once. It is all through drink. I was lying down on the seat, and she kept pulling my hair." No fewer than 23 witnesses were called, and evidence was given in great detail. Mr. Fletcher was about to put a question as to the admission quoted above, when Mr. Sykes objected to its being admitted as evidence, and cited the case of "The Queen v. Doherty and Rue," in which the principle was laid down that where any inducement was held out such a statement could not be admitted. Mr. Fletcher pointed out that in this case the statement had been made voluntarily. The Court overruled the objection, but made a note of it. The whole of the evidence having been tendered, Stockwell is charged in the usual way, and Mr. Sykes pleaded "Not guilty" on his behalf. The prisoner was committed for trial on the capital charge. He was removed to Wakefield in the evening.