On This Day, 16 March 1917

Birmingham Mail

Friday 16 March 1917

ANOTHER BIGAMY CHARGE

SOLDIER IMPLICATED.

At Birmingham Assizes today, Josephine Jane Davis (25), press worker, was charged with marrying James Edward Bagnall on February 1, 1916, whilst her husband was living; and James Edward Bagnall (22), lance-corporal, was charged with aiding and abetting the female prisoner in the commission of the offence. Prisoners pleaded guilty.

Mr. J. G. Hurst, who prosecuted, said the female prisoner’s husband, who was a soldier, stopped his allotment because of some trouble over Bagnall, and the Government allowance therefore ceased. The woman had no support; and, as counsel understood, Bagnall went through the ceremony marriage with the woman in order that, being a soldier, he could make her an allotment, and she would secure a separation allowance. The female prisoner voluntarily went to the police and made a statement. Bagnall said he had been wounded on the Somme, and Detective-sergeant Lawton said that he would be dealt with by a court-martial for desertion if released by this court. Since he had been out on bail awaiting trial he had been at work. The Judge said he would consider what to do in the case and give his decision to-morrow.