October 21st: other witness statements

Illustrated Police News, October 21^st, 1893.

The Bath Mystery.

The Bath coroner last week resumed his investigation of the circumstances attending the death of the girl Wilkie or Luke.

James Robbins, a miller, of Herbert-road, Oldfield-park, stated that on the second Sunday in July, 1891, he accidentally met deceased, who, in course of conversation, said she was going to marry Coombs in two or three weeks. He never heard of the deceased having any other sweetheart, and he did not believe she was a fast girl.

John Edwards, fishmonger’s assistant, said he remembered Coombs, in conversation, making use of the words, “She ought to be dead or killed,” and supposed he alluded to the deceased.

Mrs Andrew Dillon informed the court that from the Saturday before Bank Holiday to the Bank Holiday, August, 1891, Wilkie stayed at her house, but disappeared from that time. The witness knew that the girl had a gold watch similar to that produced, but said she could not remember the silver brooch. In February, 1891, the witness saw a young woman demanding admittance to the house occupied by Mrs Coombs. The young woman rang the bell violently and exclaimed, “They shall hear me- I will be let in!” The Coroner: Could you swear that this was the deceased? The Witness: No; it was a dark, miserable night.

Kate Bullock, formerly fellow-servant with Wilkie at Mrs Kerry’s, definitely fixed the date when the deceased left her situation as the Saturday preceding Bank Holiday. The man who used to visit Wilkie was thin, short, and rather fair. When the deceased went away she said she was not coming back, but did not state where she was going. She left her box and gave no instructions concerning it. The witness knew that Wilkie had a gold watch similar to that produced.

Annie Clare stated that Wilkie told her in March, 1891, that Coombs had broken off their engagement because he had learnt that the deceased was formerly at a reformatory at Stoke.

Alfred Phillips, coal merchant’s clerk, said he was certain he saw the deceased and Coombs together in Hampton Down Wood on the last Sunday in July, 1891.

Mr Titley said it was very important whether the witness was sure as to the date, and observed that Phillips previously was uncertain about the date. The witness replied that he was now certain. When giving evidence before the magistrate he had only just been called from his work.

The inquiry was adjourned until October 25^th. On our first page will be found several sketches appertaining to the case from our special artist at Bath.