Thomas James Burgess

Thomas James Burgess was found dead in a passage.

His 23-year-old brother-in-law was tried for his manslaughter but acquitted.

They had been at Thomas Burgess's mother's house at 2 The Terrace, Grove Road, Mitcham for Christmas Day 1902 with other members of the family and liquor was consumed.

The brother-in-law that was tried for manslaughter was intoxicated and made a loud noise and was asked to leave by Thomas Burgess's mother and he was put out of the house by Thomas Burgess.

Later on Thomas Burgess was found dead in the passage leading from the garden to the lavatory and the brother-in-law was arrested.

The post mortem showed that Thomas Burgess had suffered from head injuries.

However, at the trial the judge said that he didn't think that there was sufficient evidence to call upon the defence to answer and the brother-in-law was discharged.