Revelations

Well today i have found out more than i ever imagined.
I headed off to the Local studies library this afternoon to try and find the possible newspaper clippings about Harrys crime.
I was amazed and saddened by what i found.
They didn't have a microfilm printer available so i had to write it down.
I found 3 articles, here is what they said.

Monday June 25th 1945

Alleged attack to kill wife

A heavy coal hammer and bent carving knife were exhibits in Sheffield today when Harry Gower aged 44, Jenkinson Street, Sheffield, was remanded in custody to July 10th, charged with attempting to kill and murder his wife Kate Gower*.
Detective Inspector butler said that in the early hours of today he went with Detective Sergeant Hanson to Gowers home where he found Mrs Gower partly dressed and in a semi conscious state. The upper part of her clothes was covered with blood and Mrs Gower had severe injuries to the head and a stab wound in her left side.
After the woman had been removed to the Sheffield Royal Infirmary, where she remained in a very serious state, he examined the house where there was no sign of Gower, who was apprehended later. He saw a bed couch smothered in blood and near it were the hammer and knife produced.
At Hammerton Road police station he interviewed Gower who made a statement aqdmitting he was responsible for the injuries to his wife. Gower had 8 children, 6 of whom had been taken to the Fulwood Cottage Homes on the intervention of the NSPCC. He was afraid Mrs Gower would not be well enough to attend on July 10th as she was in a very serious condition.

July 10th 1945

Accused of Wifes stabbing

Harry Gower, aged 44, millhand, Jenkinson Street, Sheffield, was remanded in custody for a fortnight in Sheffield today on a charge of attempting to murder his wife Rose Gower by stabbing her and striking her on the head with a hammer.
Detective Inspector Butler said that at 230am on June 25th the accuseds wife aroused a neighbour who found that she was suffering from severe injuries to the head, face and body.
In the home of the accused Inspector Butler said he found a 7lb coke hammer and a meat knife, the blade of which was 8 inches long, both of which were blood stained. The accused subsequently made a statement in which it was alleged he admitted that he was responsible for his wifes injuries, having attacked her with the hammer and knife.
The woman is still in the Royal Infirmary in a critical condition. The most serious wound is one which penetrated the body near the heart and anything might happen to her the Inspector stated.
Mr Morton Slack representing Mrs Gower asked if the police could give any undertaking to go on with the case on June 24th. Chief Inspector J.Moore said it was impossible to say. everything depended on the condition of the woman.

July 24th 1945

Harry Gower, aged 44, Steel Worker, Jenkinson Street, Sheffield, was committed for trial at Leeds Assizes in Sheffield today on a charge of attempting to murder his wife Rose Gower, by stabbing her and striking her on the head with a hammer. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.
Mr W.K.G Thurnall prosecuting said that Mrs Gower was still seriously ill and detained in hospital. The wounds alleged to have been afflicted were very serious.
Mr Thurnall said that about 230am on June 25th a neighbour heard knocking at her door. She saw Mrs Gower, who was covered in blood and in a very distressed condition. The police were called and Mrs Gower was removed to hospital.
Her condition was found to be so serious that she required a blood transfusion. meanwhile, the accused went to another neighbours house. He was noticed to be in an excited condition. His hands were covered in blood and blood was splattered on his clothing. It was alleged that he had said "I have done the old lass in". Later he gave himself up to police.
Mr Thurnall said the police found a knife and hammer in the accuseds home. It was alleged that the 2 stab wounds, one very near the heart, had been caused by the knife, and that the hammer had been used to batter Mrs Gower.
Gower, it was alleged, made a statement admitting that he was responsible for the injuries to his wife. Dr Betty V Slesser, Sheffield Royal Infirmary said that in her opinion Mrs Gower would have died had she not received immediate medical attention. Witness thought she would now recover. The wounds could have been caused by the knife produced.
Police Sergeant Longley said he was on duty in Hammerton Road police station when the accused entered. He said "I have come to give myself up. I have done my wife in". Gowers hands and shirt-front were blood stained. Answering Mr Morton Slack defending, witness said Gower appeared to be in a dazed condition. Detective Inspector T Butler said there was a four weeks old baby on a bed in the living room. A hammer and knife both blood stained were near a pool of blood on the floor.
Witness said he questioned Gower who said, "I have done it. I do not know what i have done it for. I was sitting in the chair when something came over me". Later, Gower said there had been trouble for a long time. he and his wife had a few words because he went for 'a pint'. They had rowed all day and the previous night. Cross examined by Mr Slack, Inspector Butler said the place was filthy. He knew 7 children had been removed by the NSPCC because of the conditions.