Limerick, Thursday – The Probate Court in Limerick has become the stage for a gripping legal drama as the case of Henderson v. Jaffe unfolds, centred around allegations of criminal conversation. William Henderson, a dentist from Birr, is seeking £500 in damages against Mr Jaffe, a fellow dentist from Limerick, claiming an illicit relationship with Henderson’s wife. The proceedings have captivated the city, with residents following the twists and turns of a story that involves secret cash books, coded entries, and intense cross-examinations.
The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Molony and a city common jury, resumed today with both legal teams presenting their cases. Counsel for the plaintiff, Mr James O’Connor, K.C., Mr Henry Hanna, K.C., and Mr Shannon, presented a compelling narrative of alleged misconduct, painting Mr Jaffe as the defendant in this sordid affair. In contrast, the defence, led by Mr Sergeant Sullivan and Mr E. J. Phelps, instructed by Mr James A. Doyle, sought to refute the accusations and establish an alternative perspective.
The heart of the matter revolves around the alleged relationship between Mr Jaffe and Mrs. Henderson, the wife of the plaintiff. The court heard that entries in a cash book, crucial evidence in this case, were made in cipher. Mr Jaffe’s defence claimed that these entries were for scheduling visits to Birr, but the court expressed scepticism, noting that Mr Jaffe was swearing to matters he translated from his own cipher.
The proceedings took an intriguing turn as Mr Jaffe vehemently denied the accusations, asserting that he did not engage in criminal conversation with Mrs. Henderson. He produced a cash book in which he claimed to have recorded his visits to Birr, but the use of a cipher raised eyebrows and led to pointed questions from Mr Justice Molony.
The defence further attempted to dismantle Henderson’s claims by highlighting an incident in July where Henderson allegedly embezzled money. Mr Jaffe forgave him, presenting a picture of an employer who held no animosity towards the plaintiff. However, the cross-examination turned tense as Mr O’Connor, K.C., questioned the defendant about the nature of his relationship with Mrs. Henderson, revealing details about visits to her sitting room and alleged inappropriate behaviour.
Mrs. Jaffe took the stand to counter claims that she witnessed a dispute or fight between Mr Jaffe and Henderson. She vehemently denied the existence of such an incident and refuted Henderson’s allegations made in her presence.
The trial featured moments of high drama, with the courtroom hanging on the edge of every revelation. The question of Mr Jaffe’s alleged infidelity, the coded cash book entries, and the dynamics within the Henderson household have become the talk of the town, dominating conversations and speculation.
As the trial adjourns until tomorrow morning, the anticipation builds for Mr Justice Molony’s charge to the jury. The city of Limerick remains captivated by the unfolding saga, with the outcome of this sensational trial likely to resonate within the community for some time to come.
Evening Herald (Dublin) – Wednesday 21 January 1914
