In the Dublin Courts, Miss Frances Hanrahan, a barmaid, brought a lawsuit against Dr William Harrop Parry of Llanrwst, North Wales, for an alleged breach of promise of marriage. Miss Hanrahan stated that she had been working as a barmaid in Liverpool for three years and later moved to Dublin’s Kingsbridge terminus. During a return journey from a holiday, she met the defendant, Dr Parry, on board the mail steamer from Holyhead. He introduced himself, and they chatted during the passage.

Afterward, Dr Parry visited her at Kingsbridge terminus and later at Limerick Junction refreshment room. On January 11th, 1904, he asked her to marry him and showed her a deposit receipt for £1,500. He also claimed to have a carriage and brought her six rings to choose from. They went on a drive to Tipperary with a man introduced as his brother, who was present during the proposal.

Miss Hanrahan accepted his proposal but later received a letter from Dr Parry, asking her not to address him verbally and requesting her not to send him a kiss or sign her letters affectionately. He also asked for the return of his photograph. Later, she discovered that Dr Parry was married, as his wife contacted her asking for the return of the ring. In a painful interview with Dr Parry’s wife present, he denied being married, but his wife called him a “villain” and showed a mark of a violent blow on her face, which she claimed he had given her.

The case was adjourned at that point.

Derby Daily Telegraph – Saturday 14 January 1905