Source: Bell's Weekly Messenger, No.1786, Sunday, June 20, 1830
An inquest was held on Thursday at Guy's Hospital, before Mr. Payne, on the body of Richard Slatter, who was killed under the distressing circumstances stated by the following witnesses:—
Mr. Dobritch, of 100, Great Suffolk street, Borough, deposed, that about half-past ten o'clock on Friday morning, he heard the noise of something rattling along at an unusual rate, and on going to the window, he saw a horse and chaise, without any one in it, passing along the footpath opposite his house, at a most tremendous rate. Looking a-head of the horse, he saw the deceased, who is a general postman, turn into the street out of George street, and almost at the same instant the horse and he met face to face, and he was knocked down and the gig passed over him. The horse continued at, if anything, an increased speed; knocked down a woman a little further on, and soon after was soon out of sight.
Thomas Brand, jun. deposed, that he was in the chaise on the occasion in question. The man drove very carefully. On entering Suffolk street, the horse was frightened, apparently by the noise of the chaise over the rough stones, and set off with great speed. Witness threw himself out, and was considerably bruised. The driver did all he could to check the horse, but without success. The chaise is worth 20l.
Verdict—Accidental Death.—Deodand, one schilling.