Manchester Courier – Wednesday 10 June 1903

The Wombwell Murder.

Sensational Revelations at the Inquest.

Sensational evidence was given at an inquest near Barnsley. yesterday, touching the death of Wm. Swan, 41, whom, is alleged, John Gallagher, colliery labourer, kicked to death. When the widow of the deceased went to the inquest there was crowd of 1,000 present, and they hooted her and made ugly rush, but she was protected by the police.

In her evidence she stated that her husband, who jealous of Gallagher, former lodger, met her coming downstairs with Gallagher.

He made an accusation. Witness made no reply. Gallagher left the house, and her husband struck her on the eye. Gallagher threatened ”to give it him,” and she tried to persuade him desist. She tried pull him off her husband, and Gallagher struck her. He struck her husband with an armchair. Gallagher had threatened to make her “ready for a coffin.” Other evidence showed that Mrs. Swan asked Gallagher “to and give her husband something.” that Gallagher ‘said had smashed four of Swan’s ribs, and that when heard Swan’s death he laughed and danced.

A verdict of wilful murder was returned, and the jury considered that Mrs. Swan was in some measure to blame.