November 4th: more on the coroner's inquest

Illustrated Police News November 4^th, 1893

The Bath Mystery.

On Thursday morning the coroner resumed the inquest, at Bathampton, as to the murder of Elizabeth Luke, alias Wilkie, at Hampton Rocks, in August 1891. The public interest manifested in the case is still very great. Arthur Stevenson Coombs, the young man discharged by the magistrates last week, was present to give evidence. He was accompanied by his father, mother, and Miss Sheppard. 

At the opening of the proceedings Mr. Titley said Coombs, his client, had expressed a desire to attend and make a statement of such facts as were within his knowledge, in order to take the first opportunity of clearing himself. He had already submitted to the Court a list of the witnesses he proposed to call, had it been necessary for him to make a defence before the magistrates, and he would be pleased if the coroner could hear any or all of these witnesses.

Kate Bullock was the first witness sworn, and during her evidence the coroner requested Coombs to leave the court, intimating that he would take his depositions later. Bullock said Mrs. Dillon, with whom Wilkie lodged, had told her (Bullock) that she knew much more than she had stated in her evidence. Mrs. Dillon, who was in court, indignantly denied this, but Miss Bullock adhered to her statement.

Miss Sheppard gave evidence as to having become engaged to Coombs just after he ceased walking out with deceased. The latter after that used to shout at them, and once she struck witness when she was out alone. Witness admitted having written letters to Coombs, which the police produced. In one she wrote “I wonder whether you have heard from Elsie Wilkie. I am longing to see you to know. I will tell you all the news.” The latter part did not refer to Wilkie.The Coroner: I suppose you were longing to see him, because he was “off with the old love and on with the new.” (Laughter.) Turning to another letter, the coroner remarked: Here, under the date February 5^th, you write, “I suppose you think I am a bother to you five days after you were engaged. (Laughter.) Really I feel so dreadfully sorry you were so upset. Don’t think any more about her.” Whom did that refer to? Elsie Wilkie. What made you write it? I can’t remember. What is the reference to his being upset? I believe it refers to her having visited Coombs’s house. Another allusion was on March 11^th, 1891: “Just fancy that Elsie Wilkie showed herself down your way. I should think she was ashamed. Just fancy me running in town with my cap and apron on. I should think she was proud to think she had one.” What does that refer to? I believe he had met her when going home from work.

Replying to further questions, the witness said she could not remember when Wilkie’s disappearance was first brought to her notice. She went with Coombs to the theatre on the night of August Bank Holiday. He called for her between five and six, and she remained with him throughout the evening. He saw her at home at night, and she did not see him again until the following Friday.

The inquest was then adjourned until November 3^rd, when Coombs will be examined.

A blacksmith named John Eades was brought before the Bath magistrates for having given himself up to the police, stating that he was the Hampton Downs murderer. When questioned about the tragedy he gave no answer. He told a story about a barber and dogs, and begged not to be let go or he should commit suicide. Evidence was given as to insanity in the family, and Eades was sent to the workhouse for a fortnight.