AS part of our weekly Crime Files series, we are taking a look back at the archives to bring you stories from Herefordshire's history.

The following story dates from 1882.

A HORSE trainer was shot in the face as an argument turned violent in Herefordshire in 1882.

Horse trainer Walter A Roberts from Orleton, Herefordshire, was shot by John Bowen after a disagreement between the pair got out of hand it was reported in 1882.

Mr Roberts was left in a "very precarious position" it was reported, as he had been facing his assailant when he was shot.

The shots had entered his mouth, shattering his top jaw and a portion of his bottom jaw, and penetrating the roof of his mouth, leaving a number of pellets lodged in his head.

Bowen, who was reported to have been in the service of a magistrate and was said to be "of a strange disposition when under the influence of drink", had then threatened to shoot Mr Roberts' wife, who fled the scene screaming "murder!"

The shooter also fled as neighbours were roused, but was apprehended during the night and locked up in the police station cells.

The 33-year-old appeared before Hereford Assizes in July of that year, initially charged with attempted murder but pleading guilty to a charge of shooting with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

He was sentenced to five years' penal servitude.

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