Times (London)
15 October 1889

At the THAMES Police-court, EDWARD HAMBLAR, 61, respectably dressed, and described as a ship's joiner, was charged with disorderly conduct and being dressed in women's clothes. Inspector Arthur Ferrett, H Division, stated that on Sunday night he saw a crowd of some 600 persons in Bromley-street, Ratcliff. He went up and found the prisoner detained by two men. He was dressed in female attire, and was wearing the hat and veil produced, also a black jacket, print dress, two flannel petticoats, and a large dress-improver. (Laughter). The witness arrested Hamblar and took him to the station. All the people round the prisoner imagined he was "Jack the Ripper," and the excitement was very great in consequence. The prisoner gave no explanation of his conduct. Hamblar now said it was only a freak. Mr. Saunders observed that the prisoner had been guilty of very foolish conduct. He did not make a handsome woman. (Laughter.) Inspector Ferrett said that it got abroad that the prisoner was "Jack the Ripper." Had not witness arrived as he did the prisoner would probably have been torn to pieces. Mr. Saunders bound the prisoner over in the sum of £10 to keep the peace for six months.