THE LOCH FERGUS TRAGEDY.

Evening Post, Volume XVII, Issue 384, 2 April 1879, Page 2

THE LOCH FERGUS TRAGEDY.

♦ THE PRISONER COMMITTED FOR TRIAL FOR MANSLAUGHTER. After we went to press yesterday the charge of mans'aughter against John Theophilus Jones was further investigated. Several witnesses were examined, but the evidence given was merely corroborative of that already published by us. The investigation had then to be further adjourned, in consequence of the non-attendance of Dr Keating, and Mr. Hansford ordered a summons to issue for bin attendance this morning at 9.30 o'clock. This morning Dr. Keating was prvsent, and explained that he had no idea that bis presence was required, until 1.15 o'clock, when a verbal message was left at the Hospital. He had then made other engagements, and could not attend without inconveniencing other people. Mr. Mansford said he could not accept the explanation as satisfactory. Dr. Keating knew that the inquiry was adjourned until 2 o'clock yesterday, aud he mu9t have known that his attendance was necessary. [Dr. Keating: I did not.] Owing to his non-attendance a large number of witnesses and others had been compelled to attend the Court this morning. Dr. Keating then gave evidence similar to that given by him at the Coroner's inquest, to the etfect that the deceased was admitted into the Hospital on Sunday week, suffering from a scalp wound. He was unconscious. Next day there were symptoms of increased pressure on the brain, and the Hospital surgeons opened the wound and removed a trfrngular piece of bone. The man apparently rallied, but he remained insensible, and died on Wednesday. Witness made a post mortem examination, and traced the cause of death to effasion of blood on the brain. The skull was broken in several places. The injuries were such as could have been produced by a blow from, the capstan-bar proI duced. A fall on the back of the head would not have produced the same results, but a fall on the aide of the head m'ght have caused the injuries. The bone which was taken out must have been fractured by a blow on the top of the head. Mr. Mansford, in giving the prisoner the usual warning, said that as he wag not defended by counsel he (Mr. Mansford) should advise him to reserve his defence. Prisoner said he had nothing to say, and he FU then formally committed for- trial for manslaughter. 1

. Queer kind of Love.— A neuralgic affection. |