Dundee Courier 13 January 1934, page 5

Major Charged with Manslaughter

New Turn in Lady Doris Stapleton Case

“Only Woman I Love” Remark Recalled

Major Walter Valentine Churchill Longman (43) of Langs Road, Preston, Paignton, appeared before the Paignton magistrates yesterday in connection with the motor crash on December 20, in which Lady (Doris) Stapleton, wife of Sir Miles Stapleton, was killed.

Major Longman had been originally charged with being under the influence of intoxicating liquor while in charge of a car, but yesterday he was charged with manslaughter, and the final charges was adjourned sine die.

Mr. Lee Barber, prosecuting, pointed out that the inquest verdict should be no concern of the bench.

“Coroners’ juries sometimes do curious things,” he said.  “In this case they saw fit to say that there was no culpable negligence by Major Longman, but the police think that there was.”

Dealing with the accident, which occurred in heavy but patchy fog, Mr. Barber commented: “The prosecution say that no one except a madman or a drunkard would have proceeded at anything more than a walking pace.”

Doctor’s Evidence

Dr Harold C Adams said that after the accident Major Longman was suffering from a considerable amount of shock and was also affected by having taken alcohol.

Mr. Fisher (for Major Longman) – Did you hear him use this expression – “I have killed the only woman in the world I love.  I don’t care two hoots what happens to man, woman, or child, or to me.  I am finished.”?

Witness – Yes.

I would not describe that as being hilarious; would you? – No

Constable Toms said that at the hospital Major Longman said – “It is all my fault.  I killed her.”

The Court adjourned till Wednesday.  Major Longman was allowed bail in the same surety as for the original charge.