Morning Advertiser (London)
26 November 1888
William Alfred Field, 60, gardener, a wild-looking man, was charged with being disorderly.
Police-constable Love, 225 L, stated, that between one and two o’clock on Saturday morning he heard some women screaming in the Westminster-bridge-road, near St. Thomas’s Hospital. On going to ascertain the cause he saw a number of females running towards him followed by the prisoner, who was shouting. "I’m Jack the Ripper." The women appeared greatly frightened, and their screams caused a crowd to assemble. Witness advised the prisoner to go away, but he refused, and was consequently taken to the station.
Frederick Dodd, an actor, gave corroborative evidence.
The prisoner said his wife had been missing for a month, and he was out looking for her.
Mr. Sheil expressed his determination to put a stop to disturbances of this character, and sentenced the prisoner to 14 days’ hard labour.
THAMES.
A decently-attired working man asked Mr. Lushington’s advice under the following circumstances. A few days ago he had occasion to go to the Regent’s Canal Docks, when he was followed by a crowd, who charged him with being "Jack the Ripper," and gave him into custody ion that charge.
In answer to Mr. Lushington, applicant said he was taken to the police-station, and detained there two or three hours. By that detention great injury was done him, and in consequence he lost a job. He believed the man who gave him into custody did it simply out of maliciousness.
Mr. Lushington told the applicant if the man gave him into custody out of malice he could bring an action against him.
Mary Smith, 40, described as a dressmaker having no home, was charged with being disorderly.
Constable Richards, 196 C, said that shortly before ten o’clock on the previous night he heard shouts of "Jack the Ripper" proceeding from St. James-square. On going to see what was the matter he found they proceeded from the prisoner. He ordered her away, when she told him that "Jack the Ripper" would have him, and that he had better go away. Finding that she would not desist he took her into custody.
The prisoner was fined 5s.
COMMISSIONER OF POLICE.
The Press Association says:
It was reported at Scotland-yard yesterday that Mr. Monro had been appointed Commissioner of Police in the stead of Sir Charles Warren. The official announcement of the name of the new Commissioner of Police cannot be received until to-day. After the Cabinet Council on Saturday a communication was made to the Queen by special messenger at Windsor. Her Majesty’s reply will not be received at the Home Office until to-day.
