"THE WOMAN PAYS."

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 218, 13 September 1924, Page 19

"THE WOMAN PAYS."

— - . WITNESS' DRAMATIC CRY IN COURT. A woman witness made a dramatic exclamation at Manchester Assizes, when the capital charge in regard to the death of a war widow was preferred against Mary Elizabeth Brown, married, aged 35, of Smithy-yard, Smithy-lane, Wigan.

Mr. T. Eastham, K.C., for the prosecution, said the charge was the sequel to the death of Mrs. Mary Agnes Rlgnall, aged 3S, of Sandon Street, Poolstock, near Wigan. Mrs. Rlgnall's husband died ln 191S, and when, in May last, she discovered her condition, she consulted prisoner. It was alleged that an operation was performed. Later Mrs. Rlgnall was removed to Wigan Infirmary, where Bhe died.

Betsy Rignall, of Hamilton Street, Atherton, sister-in-law of the dead woman, admitted that Mrs. Rlgnall had been taking drugs some time before the alleged ■operation.

"I think the mnn ought to be here as well," she said excitedly. "The woman always pays." She repeated this several times, and had to be checked by his Lordship.

The jury found accused guilty of manslaughter, and strongly recommended her to mercy. She was sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment ln the second division.