Rapid DemotionSgt. W. <strong>Binns</strong>Mark Sharp, a gunner of the Ctroop of the Royal Horse Artillery,who was admitted to thehospital about ten days ago sufferingfrom the loss of his thumband other injuries, sustained bythe premature explosion of a fieldpiece during manoeuvres whichtook place on Woolwich Commonon the occasion of the visitof Lord Bloomfield, is progressingfavourably, although incapacitatedfor further service.A detachment court-martial, composedof one captain and two lieutenantsof the corps, last week assembledto investigate the accusationbrought against Sergeant W.<strong>Binns</strong> who directed the firingparty at the gun. <strong>The</strong> charge waspreferred against the accused, asneglect of duty in giving the word“Ready” before No. 2 gunner wasclear of the gun wheel.<strong>The</strong> case having been clearlyproved was nevertheless acknowledgedto be one of ordinaryoccurrence in cases of speedy firing.By sentence of the courtmartial,which was confirmed bythe commanding officer, the prisonerwas ordered to be reducedfrom the grade and pay of sergeantto the station of gunner inthe ranks.An Attempt to Confuse <strong>Family</strong> Historians ?Another John <strong>Binns</strong> !At Leeds, yesterday, before thestipendiary magistrate. John<strong>Binns</strong>, 42, stated to have been atailor, of Burrey Road, and tohave been a local preacher, wascharged, in custody, with bigamy.<strong>The</strong> prisoner as alleged wasmarried on Dec 7 th at St Jude’sChurch, Eldon, Sheffield to MissAnnie Ramsbottom, 26, his presentwife Harriet Binnns being atthat time alive. Annie Ramsbottom,of Goole, said she made theacquaintance of the prisonerthree years agowhen he lodged with her father.She knew he was a married manbefore he came to lodge withthem. She first saw him at heraunt’s. He stayed with them fromSaturday to Monday on variousoccasions. She went through theform of marriage with the prisoneron December 7 th . He married herbecause of her condition of whichhe was the cause. She had seen hiswife. She did not know that hewas separated from her andthought that he was living withher all the time.<strong>The</strong> prisoner went to Sheffield andthe witness accompanied him. Sheleft no letter to say what had becomeof her. <strong>The</strong> prisoner, who said“I have nothing to say at present”,was committed for trial at the nextassizes, bail being refused. [<strong>The</strong>Times 16 Sep 1908]3DJH%,116&211(&7,216
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