Sentence of 16 years' penal servitude was passed by Mr. Justice Atkinson at the Old Bailey on May 2, on Robert Dixon, 25, a labourer, for the manslaughter of Mrs. Elsie Charlotte Torchon, known as "French Marie" by strangling her more than 20 months ago at her flat in Euston-road, London.
The jury found him not guilty of murder after returning to ask the judge for a direction on a point of law, states the "Daily Telegraph and Morning Post."
Dixon was sentenced at Durham in March last to 10 years penal servitude for the manslaughter of a woman, Mr. Justice Atkinson said the sentences would be concurrent.
Mr. L. A. Byrne, outlining the case for the prosecution, said that Mrs. Torchon, who lived apart from her husband, was found dead on Aug. 16, 1937, She was drinking in a public-house near her flat in Euston-road from 1130 am. to 3 p.m. on that day. Dixon went with her to the flat. Later, a neighbour heard clapping and singing and the radio pla} ing in Mrs. Torchon's room:
Shortly after 5 p.m. the woman saw a man leave the flat, and about half an hour later noticed smoke coming from a window. She went to Mrs. Torchon's room and found a piece of material smouldering on the foot. Mrs. Torchon was lying dead across the bed.
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