AFFRAY IN A LONDON MANSION.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2474, 19 May 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

AFFRAY IN A LONDON MANSION.

MajorKildark Bdrkowks, 11 tli Hussars, of To Eaton place, Eaton square, was charged before Mr Partridge at the Westminster Police Court, on February 4, with assaulting Lord Howard de Walden at 100 Eaton place. Mr Besley defended. According to an exchange a police constable said that at 2 o'clock that morning he heard cries of " police " in a man's voice from 100 Eaton place. Proceeding there, he saw a gentleman with his head out of the dining-room window. The gentleman, who was bleeding from the face, complained that he had been assaulted, and pointed out his assailant, Major Burrowes, who was standing in the street at the front door of the house. The complainant, who said he was Lord Howard de Walden, charged the defendant, and went to the station in a cab. Dr. Thomas Neville said he was called to the Gerald road police station to see Lord Howard de Walden. There were two contusions on the complainant's forehead, and a bruise on his lip, which was also cut by the teeth inside. Blood was falling from one of his lordship's ears, and his nose was much swollen. The injuries appeared to have been caused by blows from a fist. The complainant was not well enough to attend the court. Inspector Kendrick stated that he was on duty at Gerald road station when the defendant was brought in. A. short time before Lord Howard de Walden drove up in a cab to prefer a charge of assault. Major Burrowes admitted striking his lordship, and entered into an explanation of the circumstances which induced him to do so. He said that his sister-in-law, Lady Howard de Walden was lying seriously ill at 100 Eaton place, and the doctors advised that the only possibility of saving her life was to keep her absolutely quiet and free from excitement. Her husband, the prosecutor, had been told this, and was begged to keep away from her ; but he got drunk in the house and made a noise. The major further said that when Lord Howard de Walden attempted to force his way to his wife's room, at nil hazards he determined to prevent him, and the result was a collision in the dining-room. By Mr Besley: Major Burrowes was perfectly calm and collected. Lord Howiird de Walden seemed recovering from the effects of drink. Major Burrowes said that the family were determined that if his lordship did force his way into his wife's room and cause her death they would have a coroner's inquest. After Mr Besley's address for the defendant, Dr. Thomas Dickenson said he had been attending Lady Howard de Walden from January 21. Sbe was suffering from peritonitis, and her life had been hanging on a thread. Sir William Jenner, Mr Venning, and other eminent physicians had attended her, and all insisted that the only chance she had was to be kept quiet. The lady had begged the witness to keep her husband from her room, and her words were, "I shall bo a dead woman if he comes here." Lord Howard de Walden was incoherently drunk uight after night, and he slammed the doors, and so prejudiced his wife's chance of recovery. Mr Paltridge said there had been a serious breach of the peace, and he must require the defendant to eater into recognisances to appear again.—English papnr.