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.
