Beaten to Death.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 32, 7 February 1914, Page 5

Beaten to Death.

THE WAVERLEY TRAGEDY.

A HUSBAND'S CRIME. [Br Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Absooiatton.J Sydney, February 6. Mullan has been committed for trial. The coroner's verdict was wilful murder. Early on the morning of Wednesday, 28th ult., a brutal crime was 'committed at Waverley, when Elizabeth Mullan, a middle-aged woman. I was literally battered to death. From the Daily Telegraph, it is learned that the tragedy was discovered by William Mullan, a son of deceased. He is engaged on a paper run, and his mother had been accustomed To wake him about 5 o'clock. On the fateful morning he woke about a quarter to six, and, thinking it strange that lie bad not been aroused as usual, went into his mother's room. There a fearful sight met his eyes. ■His mother was lying on the bed, her head battered and gashed beyond recognition. The bed clothing was saturated with blood, which was also splashed on the walls and ceiling. The lad ran screaming from the room, and alarmed other members of the family. A doctor was summoned, and, with the police, was quickly on the scene. The family, which comprised husband and wile and five children, occupied a shop and dwelling in Leich-hardt-street, Waverley. Till about 12 months ago a greengrocery business was conducted in the shop, but subsequently Mullan engaged in carrying. He had been suffering from heart trouble, in connection with which he went to see a doctor on Tuesday night. He got home about () o'clock. Shortly afterwards he went out again, not returning until nearly 11. just after his wife reached home. They retired to their room, and were heard talking together for a time.

Nothing more is known of what happened until the son's ghastly discovery in the early morning. No member of the family heard any noise, although the eldest daughter, who is 18 years of age, slept in the next room. There was no trace of the husband, when the crime was discovered, nor was any weapon that might have been used found on the premises.

When a doctor was called in,,the woman was still breathing, and after a brief examination, he ordered her

removal to the Sydney hospital. The doctor's opinion l '\VW that the 'injuries had boon inflicted some three or four hours previously, with some implement like an axe. The forehead was fractured, portion of the brain protruding, the nose battered in, and there was a deep gash across the

face. The left hand also was eut, as though the 'unfortunate victim had tried to ward off {lie blows.' The woman died half an hour later. Mullan was found under peculiar circumstances at Coogee. About seven o'clock in the morning he was seen dressed in a heavy sweater and trousers, floundering in the deep water near Wylie's baths. The lessee's son brought him out, and. seeing that his condition was serious, took him towards a chemist's shop in Belmore-road. He appeared to be suffering from delirium tremens, and the police were communicated with and he was arrested. Later in the day, Mullan, whose age was given as 48, was taken before a magistrate at the Central Police Court. He was barefooted, and appeared greatly agitated. A charge of murder was preferred against him.