SHOCK FOR YOUNG WIFE.

Western Star, 14 October 1938, Page 3

SHOCK FOR YOUNG WIFE.

Two years after she had married a man 24 years her senior, a 1 20-year-old Cheshire wife learned the full facte of his amazing past. She learned that her husband, who was educated at King's College, London, had been convicted of murder in 1921, but was found insane, and that he remained in Broadmoor for many years. Police evidence given at Chester Assizes revealed the strange history of Thomas Harold Thorn, 44, tobacconist, who was sentenced to 15 years' penal servitude for wounding Miss Alice Hannah Johnstone, in her florist's snop in Wallasey, with intent to murder her. Thorn went t 0 the woman's shop and twice hit he r on the head with a. hammer. Before Thorn left the dock, Mr. Justice Singleton toldi 'him:—"It may be, there is something in your mental condition now which requires attention, and you will be observed with car».'

Describing Thorn as a native of l<ondpn, Detective-Inspector Keith, of the Wallasey police, stated that the man served during the ,war in India and Mesopotamia, and obtained a good conduct medal.

In 1921, at the Old Bailey, Thorn was convicted of attempted murder as well as murder, and was ordered to be detained during the King's pleasure.

In 1935 he was released conditionally, and in 1937 discharged absolutely. After living with sisters in. Wallasey, Thorn went to Liverpool, and took over a tobacconist's business. Later, he married the 18-year-old girl assistant *t the shop. When he came out of Broadmoor, Thorn had £I2OO, but he had gone through this. After Thom had given up the business, and removed to Wallasey, his young wife was under the impression that he was still working. Thorn went out each day, and did not return til] evening.

Dr H. K. Snell explained that he had kept observation on Jhorji line* April 23 and had failed to find any indications of insanity or any sign of mental deficiency.

Thorn was reserved, eelf-centred, and furtive, but his conversation was rational.

The judge said he had no doubt that the Home Secretary, had the niedical aspect fully before him when Thorn was released from Broadmoor, but the pubjio were entitled to know; fully alj the circumstamc<£.

Mr Emlyn Jones, defending, pointed out that the case had given him the greatest possible concern, but he had definite instructions from Thorn of his intention to enter a plea of guilty. "It looks to me," observed the judge, "as though he does not desire to be sent back t 0 Broadmoor, but his wishes aire not the only ones which are jo be consulted.". Sentence was then passed.