Diss Family History Group

PEASENHALL MYSTERY.

UNSOLVED.

GARDINER RELEASED.

A SECRET DEPARTURE FROM GAOL.

Late on Thursday evening, William Gardiner, who has stood the ordeal of two abortive trials on the charge of murdering Rose Harsent at Peasenhall, was released from Ipswich Gaol.

He was met by his solicitor, Mr. Leighton, and a gentleman who has acted as his agent. The Treasury solicitor had telegraphed to Mr. Leighton that the Crown had entered a nolle prosequi in the case and that the Clerk of Arraigns had been instructed to arrange for his release. Mr. Wild, the prisoner’s counsel, was also informed of the Treasury’s intention.

On leaving the gaol Gardiner was taken to a private house in Ipswich, where he remained that night. The whole of the proceedings are as a consequence of the nolle prosequi entered by the Attorney General, at an end, although it is stated that Gardiner is liable to be again indicted should evidence be. obtained which, in the opinion of the Treasury, justifies a fresh indictment.

It was at first thought when the news of his release was announced to him that Gardiner would break down. But he soon regained the fortitude which marked his appearance at his trials, and walked out of the prison gates with a firm step. His departure was kept to secret that the release was witnessed by none of the public.

GARDINER INTERVIEWED.

SPEAKS CALMLY OF THE TRAGEDY.

Secret as was the departure from gaol an enterprising representative of the “East Anglian Daily Times” (as quoted by the “Morning Leader”) interviewed Gardiner on Thursday night. On his arrival at the abode at which he spent the night, Gardiner showed little sign of being affected. The closest scrutiny of his features failed to reveal any of those symptoms of relief or excitement which might have been expected. He looked neat and calm. To the reporter he expressed his gratitude for all the “East Anglian Daily Times” had done for him in raising a fund for his defence. Asked when his wife would know of his release, Gardiner said: “As seven o’clock in the morning. A telegram sent to-night would reach her no sooner than a letter will. I wish she could know to-night.” He had no complaint to make as to his treatment in prison. He said the food was “perfectly good, such at is was, but not the sort of stuff I was used to.” He added, “In the matter of accommodation, however, I was as comfortable as possible under the circumstances.” He showed no hesitation in

SPEAKING OF ROSE HARSENT.

“She was,” he said, “really more a friend of my wife’s than mine. She used to do little sewing jobs for my wife, and was so occupied at my cottage on the night of the murder.” He added he last saw Rose on the Wednesday previously, when she came to see his wife. “My relations with the girl were,” he added, “only those of friends at a chapel. It is very wrong of the people of Peasenhall to set about the story that I was not concerned at hearing of the girl’s death. My grief was intense, and so was that of my wife, but, perhaps, I am not given to great outward show. There was some comment because I did not go back to work on the Monday afternoon, but the truth is, I did not feel well enough to go out. I lay down on the couch quite prostrate, and in this condition I remained for the rest of the day. I was very little better on the Tuesday. I was lying on the couch when the police came and accused me of the murder, and then I fainted.”

“How,” Gardiner was asked, “do you account for the feeling against you at Peasenhall?” The reply was : “I know it exists, but why I cannot tell.”

NOT RETURNING TO PEASENHALL.

Gardiner said he should not go back to Peasenhall to reside. Asked if he intended to go abroad, Gardiner said : “Why should I go abroad? I have done nothing wrong. My employers at Peasenhall had the utmost confidence in me. I shall be able to earn a living in some part of England.”

ARRIVAL IN LONDON.

Gardiner travelled to London by the five minutes past one train this morning, arriving at Liverpool Street at 3.47. In an interview with a "Star" reporter he said that when he faced the Judge in November he was nervous, but that he soon recovered himself and that the feeling never returned to him. An offer to deliver lectures was still under consideration by the late prisoner. The Gardiners have taken lodgings in London. One of his first actions after his release was to write to the London "Sun" newspaper in the following terms : Sir, - The Governor of the gaol has sent me out tonight, and once more l am free. I can never be grateful enough for what you have done and your readers. - Yours thankfully, WILLIAM GARDINER."