INCREDIBLE INHUMANITY.

Kumara Times, Issue 1365, 15 February 1881, Page 2

INCREDIBLE INHUMANITY.

A case of inhumanity almost in* .. credible in its gr'ossuess, was' heard afc tbe Bristol Assizes recently; Thomas Ames, 23, laborer, was indicted for the murder of Albert EdtfttrU Miles, afc Bath, in August last; Deceased; a boy nine years old, met his death in & lock on the Kennett and Avon Canal. He clambered down the lock gates and began fishing. On returning up the gates his foot slipped, and he fell iuttt the water. The prisoner was standing on the side of the lock, and saw the . deceased struggling in the water about rftv deep; Some one shouted to' hira io jump in, and he replied, "Let the little —— get out the best way he can." His criesj however, reached two boys, named Vowles and Htllier, who, pulling off their jackets as they ran to the lock, immediately jumped in, caught the deceased, and held his head above water, by taking an arm each,- ■■»,■ and swam towards the gates, intending to hold on by them, or swim into the river. On their way they dalled to prisoner to throw them Home poles which were on the bank. He did not reply, but began to close the lock gates on the three boys. Although their progress to the river was thus stopped, thep still hoped to save the deceased by clinging to the bottom of the lock gates, but to their horror they saw the prisoner take a winch and began to raise the hatchways. A woman shouted, " For God's sake don't ; you'll drown all three." Prisoner only laughed, and went on raising the hatchways. The sudden rush of water washed the deceased out of the hands of his rescuers, and they with difficulty saved themselves. The body was fouud sucked under close to the hatchway. Prisoner was found " Guilty of manslaughter," and sentence was deferred. The Judge, High Sheriff, and the Bar raised a subscription to show their appreciation of Vowles and Hillier's bravery, and the sum of £3 was handed to each of them.