Documents relating to Cornelius Charles Thomas

At Plymouth yesterday, Arthur Smith (aged 30) of Halifax was charged with the wilful murder of Cornelius Charles Thomas (age about 40) a refreshment-house keeper, by shooting him with a revolver.

In the evening of Friday, 31st August, the prisoner called at the deceased's house in a drunken condition and just after drinking a pick-me-up, which the deceased had procured for him, suddenly took out a six-chambered revolver and deliberately fired at the deceased, the bullet striking him on the right arm, and causing a wound from the effects of which he died in hospital on 5th September.

In his disposition taken the day before his death, deceased said the prisoner showed great irritability, but denied that he provoked him by raising a carving knife.

Deceased's widow made a similar statement, but a young woman who was looking into the shop at the time declared that she saw the knife in the victim's upraised hand and also saw him drop it after he had been shot.

Prisoner, who had looked unconcerned, pleaded not guilty, reserved his defence, and was committed for trial on a capital charge.

He stated that he came from Halifax and had no occupation, also that he had a sister living in Halifax.

Very little is known about Arthur Smith. He belongs to Skircoat Green, but for some time has stayed in different lodging houses in the town. He is about 30 years of age, and is a labourer.

He has been away from Halifax for several weeks.

Smith was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years' penal servitude