Times (London)
13 August 1889

(Before SIR P.H. ELDIN, Q.C.)

WILLIAM WALLACE BRODIE, 32, described as a fireman, was indicted for having obtained by false pretences a watch, value nine guineas. The prisoner, when brought up to plead to the indictment, said, "I am in for the murder of Alice Mackenzie, and not for this at all." A plea of "Not guilty" was accordingly entered; and Mr. Burnie, who appeared for the prosecution, opened his case. He said the prosecutor was a wholesale jeweler, carrying on business in the Clerkenwell-road, and on July 16 the prisoner came to him and said he was going to Africa, and wanted some watches to take with him. He said his brother, who was known to the prosecutor, had money of his with which he would be able to pay for them. It would be proved that this representation was false; but the prosecutor believed it, and allowed the prisoner to take away a gold watch on approbation, which he immediately pawned. The prosecutor was then called, and when he appeared in Court the prisoner became very violent, and shouted out that a company had been formed to take him round the country in an iron cage, and show him as the Whitechapel murderer, and that the prosecutor was the secretary of it. He attempted to assault the prosecutor, the witness-box being quite close to the dock, but was restrained by the warders. The learned Chairman said the prisoner was evidently not in a fit state to be tried, and he would therefore discharge the jury without their giving a verdict, and postpone the trial. Meanwhile the prisoner would be seen by the medical officers of the prison, who would give their opinion as to his sanity.