On This Day, 23 November 1916

Birmingham Daily Post (excerpt)

Thursday 23 November

BIRMINGHAM POLICE COURT.

Yesterday. – Before the Stipendiary (Lord Ilkeston)

A CHARGE OF BIGAMY.

Joseph Joshua George Preston (25), munition worker, Francis Road, Erdington, arrested at Hackney, was committed for trial on a charge of bigamy.
Prisoner joined the army in 1914, but was discharged in 1915, and came to Birmingham after working at Woolwich. His wife, who had resided at 6, Hooper Road, Custom House, London, came to Birmingham recently to see him, and according to the evidence she then learned that on June 21 last he went through a form of marriage with Maria Randall, of Newman Road, Erdington, describing himself as a bachelor.
Chief Inspector Davies did not oppose bail, but asked that it should be substantial, as prisoner had absconded from Birmingham after his wife came from London to see him.
Bail was allowed, prisoner in £20 and two sureties of £10 each.