THE ALLEGED CHILD MURDER AT NEWTON ABBOT: INQUEST AND COMMITTAL: An inquest on the body of Jessie Loveridge, the infant daughter of George and Rebecca Loveridge, of Kingsteignton was held the Courtenay-street Hall, Newton Abbot, on Tuesday morning. Mr. R. G. Templer watched the inquiry on behalf of Mrs. Loveridge. Evidence was given to show that on Friday night the mother of the deceased, Rebecca Loveridge, was seen on Kingsteignton road in a very excited state, and that she afterwards went to the van of a gypsy named Small, who noticed her condition and went in search of the husband. On Loveridge entering the van his wife told him that she had drowned the baby and had also attempted to drown herself, but her clothes kept her afloat. The woman said that she had drowned her child because she was mad. The doctor’s evidence was to the effect that the child had come by its death by drowning, and he added that the fact of the prisoner’s father having committed suicide would possibly act as an impulse for her to attempt similar act. It was, in fact, very probable that the woman was suffering from suicidal mania. Prisoner had told the witness that she made two attempts to drown herself but had failed. She had also stated that she remembered bringing her child out of the water the first time she threw herself in. The jury, after some deliberation, returned a verdict of “wilful Murder” against the prisoner, who was subsequently brought before the Magistrates. The witnesses repeated their evidence given at the inquest, and Mr. Templer, on behalf of the prisoner, called Richard Ward, of Kingsteignton, who deposed that Loveridge called his wife a —– lazy wretch on Friday morning, and also kicked her. Witness went away and returned at 12.30, and Loveridge came home about one o’clock, when his wife prepared bran-mash for the horse. Loveridge said “You, —– what did you get that for?” Husband and wife went into the stable, and the witness heard a hard slap. Prisoner subsequently came from the stable and said that her husband had slapped her in the face. Mrs. Loveridge soon afterwards referred to Mrs. Pinsent’s death and added that it would be no difference if she did the same as they all treated her badly. The Bench then committed the prisoner for trial at the next Assizes. On the application of Mr. Templer, a communication was ordered to be made to the prison authorities as to the prisoner’s delicate state of health.
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.
Referenced
GRO0470 Devonport: Jane Pinsent: 1847 – 1884
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.
Referenced
GRO0470 Devonport: Jane Pinsent: 1847 – 1884