Ex-M.P. and Convict.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 July 1921, Page 4

Ex-M.P. and Convict.

SENSATIONAL TRIAL RECALLED. A sensation of half a generation ago is recalled by the death at Brighton of Mr Hugh Watt, formerly M.P. for six years lor the Camlnehie Division of (iasgow .

Charged at the Old Bailey in .1" with inciting three men (one a private detective) to murder his 'divorced wile, Mrs Julia Watt, he was sentenced after a week’s trial to five years’ imprison-ment-all hut. one year of which was afterwarde remitted by the Home Secretary.

In the eighties Mr Watt was a leading man in Clyde shipping circles, and at one time had a big multiple-shop scheme to supply all the West End of London with greengroceries. He was also much interested in electricity in its early 'days.

He had a reputation in Parliament for clear-headed speeches on business affairs. His father had been a prosperous Kilmarnock draper. In 1002 he was co-respondent in a successful divorce case brought by Sir Reginald Beauchamp, against his wife. Lady Violet Beauchamp, only child and heiress of the fifth Earl of Roden. As a sequel Mrs Julia. Watt obtained a decree nisi against Air AVntt, who, In 1003 married Lady Violet. The trouble had begun some years earlier in a libel action brought against Lady Violet by Airs Join AVntt. who obtained very heavy damages.

Tlie hearing in 1006 of the incitement charge against Air Watt produced startling evidence. R was stated by the private detective concerned, whose name was ATarshall, that lie was instructed to watch Airs Watt, who was living in Chapel street. Belgravia. Tn a conversation at his address in Knights bridge, Air Watt, the detective said “became very violent” against his former wife, showing him a- bottle w 1

he said was chloroform, and said :—“I hare a. room prepared T’ll give her a push (she was to be induced to call), and then T shall want you to run for a doctor.”

The defence was a suggestion of unreliable evidence for the prosecution, of possible insanity in ATr Watt, and that the story was “incredible” in view of his honorable record.

During his first year at Pnrkhnrsf Prison, where ho was most of the time in the infirmary. I.ndv A T iolot Watt in aide, great efforts - on his behalf, and these resulted in the ox-M.P.’s release in the December of 1006. Since then ho has lived in retirement, for the past few years in Brighton.