Sources Index
Source S419
Title: Old Bailey online
Abbrev.: Old Bailey online
Text: Old Bailey Proceedings, 4th February 1913.
Reference Number: t19130204-53
WOOD, Edith, otherwise called Edith Jancowski (45), was indicted for and charged on coroner's inquisition with the wilful murder of Ethel Harriett Wood (in the inquisition described as Harriet Ethel Jancowski).
Mr. Bodkin and Mr. Perceval Clarke prosecuted; Mr. Curtis Bennett defended.
WILLIAM CHARLES WOOD . I lived at 137, Weedington Road, Holloway, with prisoner and our two children, Ruby, eight months, and Harriett Ethel, 13 1/2 years old; the latter has been subject to epileptic fits all her life. Prisoner has been attended by Dr. Whitehead during the last three years. On January 2 I noticed that she seemed very strange and depressed. On January 4 I went out to work at 9.15 a.m. At half-past 11 I was sent for and went back home. There I found this paper in prisoner's handwriting: "Could not bear it any longer. God forgive for what I have done." Prisoner was a kind mother, especially to this child, on account of her affliction.
Cross-examined. Prisoner and I had lived together on most affectionate terms for twenty years. During the last two years there has been a great change in her health; she has complained of pains in her head and noises and loss of sight.
EMMA JANE CROOK . I am employed as a daily servant to the Woods. At about 9 a.m. on January 4 Ethel was crying, and I suggested to prisoner that I should take a cup of tea to the child. Prisoner said she would take it up herself, and she did so. Shortly afterwards prisoner said, "I am going to the doctor's; don't go to Ethel, she is asleep." She also muttered something like "God has silenced those lips." Soon after she had gone out the police and the doctor came. The piece of cord produced used to hang up in the scullery.
Cross-examined. Prisoner was a most devoted mother. Before January 4 I had heard prisoner saying strange things, such as "God has fitted the back for the burden," "There is only One who knows," etc.
JOSEPH WILSON , divisional surgeon. On January 4 about 10.35 a.m. I went to 137, Weedington Road, and there found the dead body of the child lying on the bed. Round her throat was this piece of cord, three times tied. The cause of death was strangulation. I think that at the time the strangulation was effected the child was in a fit. Shortly afterwards I saw prisoner. She was in a dazed and depressed condition.
Police-Constable FRANK HUKLEY . I was in charge of Caledonian Road Police Station on January 4. At 10.35 prisoner came in and said, "I want to give myself up for murder, strangling my little girl this morning. The child had a fit and I could not get her out of it. so I strangled her with a piece of rope." Prisoner was greatly distressed and on the point of collapse. To the Inspector she said, "I
See original
hope God will forgive me for what I have done. I have had sleepless nights for noises in my head and ears. I cannot say what time I did it."
Detective-Inspector ARTHUR NEAL . I saw prisoner at the station and told her I should have to charge her with murdering her child. She said, "Yes, I know. I do not know what made me do it. She had a fit and was so bad. I took the cord and tied it round her neck to put her out of her misery. I have been much worried about her lately."
Cross-examined. I have made inquiries about prisoner and her family. Both her parents died in an asylum. She was a highly respectable woman.
(Defence.)
FRANCIS EDWARD FORWARD , medical officer at Holloway Prison. Prisoner was admitted on July 4. She was suffering from great mental distress, dejected and depressed, and there were evidences of mental confusion. When I asked her why she did this she said, "I thought I would put her out of her misery. I did not think of the consequences. Oh that I could undo it." I inquired into her history. My opinion is that at the time of committing this act she was of unsound mind and not responsible for her actions.
Verdict, Guilty, but insane at time of commission of offence.
Prisoner was ordered to be detained during His Majesty's pleasure.
Before THE RECORDER.
(Friday, February 7.)
Reference: t19130204-53
CHAN
Date: 31 MAY 2012
Time: 14:09:15
Sources Index
Source S420
Title: Census 1911 Islington, Middlesex, England RG14858294 (William C Wood)
Publication: RG14858294
Text: Name Relation Sex Age Married Years Chd Born Chd LivingChd Died Occupation Industry Employ Status At Home Where Born Nationality Infirmity
William C. Wood Head M 42 M Electro Plater Employer Aston, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England
Edith Woodi Wife F 42 M 20 2 2 Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, England
Harriett Ethel Wood Daughter F 11 S Birmingham, Warwickshire, England
Florence Rubina Wood Daughter F 6 S London, England
CHAN
Date: 19 JUN 2013
Time: 10:28:51