In a dramatic turn of events at the Nisi Prius Court No. 1, a legal battle unfolded today as William Henderson, a dentist from Birr, took legal action against Marcus L. Jaffe, a dentist based in Limerick. The case, presided over by Mr Justice Molony and a city common jury, centres around a £500 damages claim for alleged criminal conversation with Henderson’s wife.

The courtroom was filled with tension as Mr James O’Connor, K.C., Mr Henry Hanna, K.C., and Mr Shannon, S.L., presented the case on behalf of the plaintiff, William Henderson. O’Connor, in his opening statement, hinted at a story that would capture the “serious and earnest attention” of the jury, describing the unfolding events as having occurred under circumstances of “peculiar cruelty and meanness.”

Henderson and his wife, a young couple with five children, migrated to Ireland in 1911 or 1912. The defendant, Marcus Jaffe, a mechanical dentist with business operations in Limerick and surrounding areas, employed Henderson in 1907. Trouble began in July 1912 when a financial dispute arose over £5 7s collected by Henderson on behalf of Jaffe, which he allegedly failed to account for. Exploiting this knowledge, Jaffe made the first overtures to Mrs. Henderson, claiming her husband had taken his money without cause.

As the case unfolded, it was revealed that Jaffe, taking advantage of Henderson’s absence on business, spent hours alone in Mrs. Henderson’s apartments. The alleged improprieties escalated, leading to a severe confrontation when Henderson discovered the truth. Subsequently, Jaffe accused Henderson of embezzlement, resulting in pending legal proceedings against the plaintiff.

The defence suggested that the lawsuit might be an attempt at blackmail or a ploy to extricate Henderson from his legal troubles. Mrs. Henderson took the stand, supporting the counsel’s statements. She detailed Jaffe’s frequent visits to her residence in Birr and confirmed that he provided financial assistance, sending her £3 shortly after the birth of their child.

Mrs. Henderson’s testimony included revelations about intimate letters exchanged between her and Jaffe, with endearing terms like “My Dear Boy” and “Your Own Boy.” However, the cross-examination took an emotional toll on her, particularly when questioned about the number of letters exchanged. The witness admitted to sending a wire to Jaffe regarding financial arrangements for their child, leading to further questions about the dynamics of her relationship with her husband.

The courtroom was left in suspense as the cross-examination was temporarily adjourned. It is expected to resume in the Probate Court, providing more insight into this salacious tale of alleged infidelity and betrayal. The legal drama promises to unravel further in the coming days, shedding light on the complexities of relationships entangled in a web of accusations and emotional turmoil.

Evening Herald (Dublin) – Monday 19 January 1914