Maria Sarah Laurie

Maria Sarah Laurie was found dead at the foot of some cellar steps at a house where she was a maid having suffered from serious injuries to her head and chest.

A neighbour said that they had heard voices in the house around the time, one of whom was identified as being that of the mistress of the house.

At the inquest, the mistress of the house also made contradictory statements.

The coroner said that he had suspicions against the mistress of the house who had been drunk at the time Maria Laurie had gone down the stairs but said that without evidence he could not conclude that the woman had thrown Maria Laurie down the stairs and an open verdict was returned.