In a sensational trial at the Probate Court in Limerick, a case of alleged adultery has taken a dramatic turn, featuring accusations, physical altercations, and a web of intrigue. The case of Henderson vs. Jaffe unfolded before Mr Justice Molony and a city common jury, with William Henderson of Limerick seeking £570 in damages for an alleged extramarital affair between the defendant, Jaffe, and Henderson’s wife.

The courtroom was filled with legal heavyweights as Mr James O’Connor, K.C., Mr Henry Hanna, K.C., and Mr Shannon represented the plaintiff, while Sergeant Sullivan and Mr Ernest J. Phelps defended the accused. The proceedings brought forth a series of shocking revelations, including visits to Henderson’s house, exchanges of gifts, and a tumultuous confrontation between Henderson and Jaffe.

A servant employed by Mrs. Henderson testified about visits by Jaffe to the plaintiff’s house, alleging that on one occasion, he and Mrs. Henderson were alone together in the sitting room. The servant claimed to have brought port wine and lager beer at Jaffe’s request, along with cheese and cigarettes for him and boxes of chocolate for Mrs. Henderson. The servant emphasized that there was no secrecy about these gifts.

The plaintiff himself took the stand, recounting an incident in October where he confronted Jaffe in Limerick. Henderson accused Jaffe of an intimate relationship with his wife, leading to a physical altercation where Henderson struck Jaffe, knocking him to the ground. The confrontation escalated when Mrs. Jaffe intervened, and Henderson continued to accuse Jaffe in her presence.

Despite the courtroom drama, the trial took an unexpected turn when it was revealed that Henderson had, at some point, worked for Jaffe. This revelation raised questions about the nature of their relationship and added complexity to the case.

Sergeant Sullivan, representing the defendant, argued that the entire case was a result of cunning, resourcefulness, and trickery on the part of Henderson and those supporting his claim. According to Sullivan, Henderson initiated legal action after being turned out of Jaffe’s house and employment, facing prosecution for alleged embezzlement of Jaffe’s money. The defence claimed that the lawsuit was essentially an act of retaliation and blackmail against Jaffe.

As the trial unfolded, the court heard about various transactions and payments involving the defendant’s dental practice. Henderson was questioned about allegations of embezzlement, to which he responded by asserting that the defendant owed him money. The courtroom tension heightened as the legal teams sparred over the admissibility of certain evidence related to a criminal investigation against the plaintiff.

In a surprising twist, the defence began to unravel a narrative suggesting that Henderson’s legal action was an attempt to avoid prosecution and salvage his reputation. The defence argued that Henderson only initiated the lawsuit after facing imminent legal troubles and eviction from Jaffe’s employment.

The defendant, taking the stand, provided his own account of the events. Jaffe, a long-time resident of Limerick and manager of a dental company, detailed his routine visits to various branches and occasional work at the Birr branch. He admitted to occasional tea sessions with Mrs. Henderson but maintained that their interactions were innocent and consensual.

The court adjourned before the defendant’s testimony could be concluded, leaving the audience and legal experts anticipating further twists in this intricate legal saga. The case continues to captivate Limerick, promising more revelations as it unfolds in the days to come.

Evening Herald (Dublin) – Tuesday 20 January 1914