Eliza Bennett, aged 25 yrs a household servant was placed before the Assizes on Friday 9th July 1847 charged with the willful murder of male illegitimate child. She was found Not Guilty but then faced a trial for concealment of birth.
On the 21st March 1847, the accused was delivered of a male child at her house of employment at Amwells End, near Ware. Shortly afterwards she was seen to go to a water closet where the child was found dead. There were certain marks on the neck of the child which indicated that it had been compressed and there was a corresponding finding of blood on the brain.
The jury returned a verdict of “Concealment of Birth.” The Learned Judge Mr Justice Coltman then sentenced her to 6 months imprisonment with Hard Labour in a House of Correction.
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