Husband Murdered

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXII, Issue 12528, 13 April 1935, Page 5

Husband Murdered

WIFE AND LOVER CHARGED EACH TAKES BLAME: FOR KILLING VICTIM; (U-P.A. by Eloo- Tel. Copyright! LONDON,, Apr?' 11. At the Bournemouth Police. Court Mrs Alma Victoria Rattenburv, aged 31 ccars, and George Percy -Stoner, aged' 19 years, were charged with murdering Francis Mawson Rattenbury\ aged G 7, a retired architect Marcli, 24. Both the Ratteuburys baj been twice married, each having children of both marriages. The prosecution alleged that Alma and Stoner stayed together in London for four days as brother aiij S ster. Two days after their return to Bournemouth .lUittensbury was found battered and unconscious at bis home and died in hospital. The prosecution said that Alma, admitted the attack and than accused her lover subsequently signing' a statement declaring that her husband “dared rne to kill him as be wanted to die. He said: You have not the guts to do it.’ Then I hit him.” Stoner, in a statement, said: “1 saw her kiss him good night. Then 1 crept into the room and hit him while he was asleep.” The prosecution said that Stoner, when arrested after Rattenbury’s death, iiAd a photograph of Airs Rattensburv, and also a love letter she had! written from prison while 'under an attempted murder charge. The hearing was adjourned.