Fireman killed wife

Western Assizes

William Mintram, 33, a mariner, was tried for the wilful murder of Eliza May Rose Mintram, his wife, at Southampton, on October 18th [1902].

Mr Evans Austin, and Mr E. L. Craik appeared for the prosecution on behalf of the Treasury; Mr Emanuel defended.

It appeared from the evidence that the prisoner was a fireman, who had been employed by a large shipping firm at Southampton for many years, and during all the period bore a most excellent character.

The prisoner and his wife did not live happily. At 10.30pm on that day the prisoner came back and found supper prepared for him, the only other person present being his son, William. This lad gave evidence that the wife was sitting in a chair when the prisoner came in and slapped her in the face.

After a short interval, the prisoner got up and took a knife and stabbed his wife in the back, death resulting shortly afterwards.

A policeman who was called stated that about half an hour before the time of the occurrence, he heard quarrelling in the house, and had to disperse the crowd that had collected outside.

The prisoner gave evidence, and stated that his wife kept nagging at him when he complained of the boy's boots being pawned by her for drink. He had had a good deal to drink, and his wife rushed at him, and he remembered nothing more.

The jury returned a verdict of Manslaughter, and the judge sentenced him to twelve years penal servitude.

(page 11)

Contributor's Note

The judge in this case was Mr Justice Bigham, later to preside over the Titanic Inquiry as Lord Mersey, President of the Wreck Commissioner's Court