Serious Quarrel at Rushden

Charge Against a Rushden Man

A serious affair took place on Saturday night at the Wagon and Horses Inn, Rushden. Two well-known townsmen, Messrs. Jack Green and James Crick, were at the Inn, and in the course of a conversation they came to hasty words. It is stated that Crick said something offensive to Green, who then picked up a glass and struck Crick on the face and neck with it.

The glass was smashed, and inflicted serious injuries to Crick’s face and neck, a large gaping wound on the neck bleeding profusely. Fortunately medical aid was close at hand, and Dr. Owen was soon in attendance. It was found that the jugular vein narrowly escaped being severed and the man must soon have bled to death if aid had not been at hand. The wounds were sewed up and Dr. Owen remained with the man for a considerable time, as his condition was considered to be very serious. Green left some time afterwards for Wellingborough, where his invalid wife was staying, but Crick’s condition remained so serious that the police arrested Green on a charge of unlawful wounding.

On Monday morning, Green was brought up before Mr. C. J. K. Woolston at Wellingborough Police Station, and charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding James Crick by throwing a liquor glass at him at Rushden on August 5th – Supt. Alexander asked that Green might be remanded until Friday. The man Crick was still ill in bed, though the doctor said his condition was better. If the man was not better by Friday he (the Superintendent) should ask for a further remand. – Mr. J. C. Parker, who appeared for the defence, applied for bail, and this was granted, defendant being bound over in the sum of £50 and two sureties of £25.

To-Day’s Proceedings

This morning at Wellingborough Police-Court Green was brought up on remand and was defended by Mr. W. W. James.

The injured man, Crick, had recovered sufficiently to attend the Court, and gave evidence. He said that on Saturday, Aug. 5, he was in the Wagon and Horses Inn at about five o’clock with Green. They had been friends for 20 years. They were chaffing and joking one another. Green told witness he ought to be at home, and witness said in reply that Green ought to be at home and look after his wife better. Witness also said other things which annoyed Green. Defendant appeared to lose his temper and struck witness with a glass he had in his hand, cutting witness’ face and neck, which commenced to bleed. Mr. Hobbs, the landlord, came in and Dr. Owen was sent for. Green, as soon as he had struck witness said: “Good God, what have I done? I am so sorry.” Green took witness home in a cab.

Dr. Owen said he was called in after the occurrence and found Crick bleeding very much. There were two wounds on the cheek, an inch and an inch and a half long, and another wound on the neck. The facial artery was severed. Witness secured the artery and stitched up the wounds and had attended to Crick since. The wounds might have been caused by the glass produced. Witness was of opinion they were caused by two blows – one on the cheek and the other on the neck.

Mr. James applied that the charge might be reduced to one of common assault, and the application was acceded to.

It was stated by Mr. James that Green would pay the doctor’s bill and compensate Crick.

The Chairman told Green he might very easily have been there on a far graver charge but having regard to all the circumstances they had decided to fine him £5, with £2 15s 6d. costs.