Preece Family Tree

J.P. Threatened by his Brother.

SEQUEL AT GLAMORGAN ASSIZES.

Ivor Griffiths, described as a grocer, was bound over at Glamorgan Assizes at Swansea, on Tuesday (before Mr Justice Atkin), when he pleaded guilty to a charge that he, on June 11, at Porth, feloniously and maliciously sent, delivered, or caused to be delivered a letter threatening to kill or murder his brother, Mr Thomas Griffiths, J.P., mining engineer, of Maesgwyn, Porth.

Mr Marley Samson, for the prosecution, recapitulated the facts, and said that on behalf of the family he wished to say that they believed it to be their duty to take steps to prevent the prisoner being a menace to his brother and the other members of the family in future. It was true the accused man had given way to drink, and was probably suffering from one of those delusions often caused by alcohol. He thought it was a case in which the prisoner should be placed under restraint for some length of time. He then called Supt. Gill, who said complaints had been made on two occasions of prisoner discharging a revolver in public. He was charged on one occasion but acquitted.

Mr Wilfrid Lewis, addressing the judge on behalf of the prisoner, said prisoner had lived on perfectly good terms with his brother and sister till the mother died in 1913. The prosecutor, Thomas Griffiths, had left the family circle in his younger days to seek his fortune elsewhere, and the prisoner remained at home for some thirty years, and assisted his father in making a considerable fortune. The father died, leaving the whole of his property to his wife. The prisoner said that it was always his father's wish that he should be provided for, but when the mother died she left the property to his brother and sister, leaving him the sum of only £20. It was after this that the trouble began, and the prisoner had written letters extending over a period of twelve months up to March, 1914.

Mr Marlay Samson, intervening, remarked that his instructions were that the prisoner was provided for.

Mr Wilfrid Lewis said that, whilst the prisoner now fully realised that he had done wrong, he was honestly labouring under a delusion that he had been very badly treated in-deed. It was further to be noted that the prisoner, although he had plenty of opportunities, had never attempted to carry his threats into operation.

His Lordship asked where the prisoner got the revolver.

Mr Lewis (after conferring with prisoner): The prisoner says he never bought a revolver. This is an old revolver he had 28 years ago.

His Lordship, addressing the prisoner, said "You have pleaded guilty to sending these letters threatening to kill your brother. I have read the series of letters which you have sent to members of your family, and very disgraceful letters they are - letters that no respectable man should write to anybody, and certainly letters you should not have written to your brother and sister. It is quite plain you have been suffering from what is a complete delusion as far as the property is concerned. They have done you no wrong at all. I hope that that is the view you now take yourself."

The prisoner nodded his head two or three times.

"If there is any doubt at all about that," continued his lordlship, "I should have to put you in a place where you could do no harm. (Prisoner again nodded). I am prepared to believe that for the future you will realise that your brother and sister are people against whom you have no grievance, and that you will live in peace with them. If you are wise you will keep off the drink. You have been in prison for four months, and, therefore, have undergone some of the probation the prosecution considered necessary. I think I shall be acting in the best interests, even of the prosecution, and I now bind you over in the sum of £20 to come up for judgment within the next two years if called upon." His lordship then explained to the prisoner the result that would immediately follow on the infringement of his bond, and he was discharged on entering into recognisances.