Annie Chapman Assaulted

VERY "RESPECTABLE!"

Maria Whitfield, was charged with an assault upon Annie Chapman, of 101 Cobbold Road, Willesden.
Defendant did not appear when called, but afterwards came into court after a warrant had been applied for.
Prosecutrix said defendant went to her house taking lodgings on Tuesday, 2nd August "as a respectable widow" and occupied two rooms, and on the following Monday she took a man to the house. On the Saturday after, witness was in bed, and her husband got up and told the defendant he would not allow such goings on in his house. She swore at him, and used bad language and said if she felt inclined to have men in the house she would do so. With a good deal of trouble her husband got the man out. On the following day she went out and returned between ten and eleven in the evening bringing back the man. The same thing happened on Monday, and she challenged witness to fight and threw a pail of water downstairs which struck witness on the arm, defendant at the same time saying, "I'll murder you, I will." Other disturbances followed.
By the defendant: You threw the pail down to me.
The husband of the complainant gave evidence as to seeing the defendant throw the pail downstairs, and the complainant saying at the same time, "I'll do for you."
By the defendant: There were no slops in the pail. I saw you pick the pail up and throw it.
Defendant denied throwing the pail, which she said caught in her dress.
The Chairman said it was pretty clear the pail was thrown on the complainant, whose evidence was corroborated by the husband.
Defendant would be fined 10s. and costs, or in default seven days.

Source: The Courier, September 1, 1887, Page 15