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The Times

Wednesday 4 January 1882

Alleged Murder At Lower-House, Burnley

Yesterday morning, about half-past 3, a murder was committed at Lower-house, near Burnley, by Robert Templeton, a machine printer at the Lower-house Print Works. Templeton, who is a Scotchman and middle-aged, lodged with a widow named Scott, who had three children and a brother living with her. It appears that Templeton had been engaged to marry Mrs. Scott, but the engagement had recently been broken off on account of the woman's drunken habits. On Monday night he left his bed room and went into Scott's room, where she refused to let him remain. At half-past 3 yesterday morning he went into her room again, and it is believed that while she was alseep he almost severed her head from her body. She had two children in bed with her and a brother sleeping in the same room, but the latter, being unable to walk, could not assist his sister. Templeton is in custody.

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Mel

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The Times

Thursday 5 January 1882

The Alleged Murder Near Burnley

Yesterday, Robert Templeton, machinist, was charged with wilfully murdering Betty Scott, with whom he lodged at Lower House. Evidence was given that the prisoner had offered marriage to the deceased, but that she refused him on account of his drunken habits. At 1 o'clock on Tuesday morning he went into her bed room and said he would not leave her. Deceased ordered him out. He returned some time after, and while she was asleep he almost cut her head off. Prisoner was remanded till after the inquest.

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Mel

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