I don't remember leaving Swansea or how I left there. The first place I remember was Pencader, when I asked if I could have a drink, and I am not sure whether I had one r not. The next place I remember was Aberystwyth Station, and I think I went out straight. I don't remember going into the Railway Inn, but I won't swear I went in. This was after ten o' clock. Very few can tell I am drunk until they speak to me, as drink does not affect my walk very much. The next time I remember anything was turning not a field, and I have a indistinct recollection of catching a pony. The pont was a fresh one. I had not ridden for many years, and I had no reins. I don't know how I got out of the field. I can remember going through with my arms around the pony, and when near Brynbala I let go my arm and fell on my back. I then passed my own house, but just by the board school, something came to my mind and told me to go to my sister-in-laws house to fetch money. I knew she had money, and had an idea where she kept it. That is where her mother kept it when I lived there for two years immediately after we were married. I thought she kept it in the small drawer at the top of te chest of drawers on the left hand. I went there and did not go near my own house. I saw nobody about. When I got to the deceased house, I tried the window first, and found there was no bolt. I lifted the window right up and went in. I am positive of this. Although I am reminded of the gimlet hole in the back door, I know nothing of the gimlet or the back door. After going in I began to look for the drawer. I lit a match, and found the door locked, and I saw keys on the top of the chest immediately above the drawer. The ring was also there. I took the ring and opened the door. I found the deposit note and a ?5 note. This took me above five minutes. The door of the parlour was open. I then went upstairs, and, as I was ipstairs, I heard her strike a match. I went forward to the bedroom, and saw the deceased with one foot out of the bed - I think it was the left. She had not got wholly out of bed. When she saw me she screamed once, and I gave her a small push on the breast, which caused her to fall on the bed, and I then threw the pillowon her face with one hand to prevent her screaming. No unnecessary violence was used in any way, and all I thought was to get away. I was then anxious to get out, and I believe I blew the candle out and went down stairs and out through the front door. I had put the window down when I first went in. I was there a moment. I did nothing to her in anyway indecent, not had I ever done anything to her. I did not do anything to her except as I have said, and did not intend to harm her in any way, as I had no cause to do anything to her. I am innocent of any intention of doing her any harm. I think I heard her scream as I went through the front door, but not much. I did not know she was dead until the Chief Constable of Cardiganshire told me on Wednesday. I was only in the house a little over 5 minutes. There was no struggle at all except as I have said. I have said all that has taken place. I said nothing to her and she said nothing to me, as when she began to scream I was afraid somebody would hear and rouse the village up. I left the keys in the same place as I had found them, unless I left them in the lock. I took nothing away except the ring, the deposit note, and the ?5 note. I don't know what possessed me to take them. After leaving, I went up to my own house and put the ?5 note under the front door of my wife's house. I had no gimlet, and have no recollection of any such thing. I don't know why I didn't go into the house. I heard the clock strike two when I was doing this. I then left for Aberystwyth, and when I got to Moelcerni I went into a field and slept until daylight, when I proceeded to Aberystwyth. I first went to the Skinners Arms aout eight o' clock and had several beers there. Miss Ellis's story is true as to what took place. I admit every thing that the witnesses say to the money, but I most emphatically deny the murder. I don't know why I took the ?64. I sent the deceased the note for ?200 on the Friday morning. I admit all the witnesses say as to what took place on Saturday. I do not remember saying anything about the ring, as I was drinking hard the whole time. I stayed at the Royal Oak until Monday, when I left for Llanelli, and there saw Peake, but I do not remember what I said, as I was muddled. I bought shoes there and I also bought fowls from there, and that is all I remember, I was drinking hard there. I do not remember that I said anything about the ring. from Llanelli I went to Neath about seven o' clock, ad went to the Falcon until I was arrested. I do not know what I said when arrested, and it may be what the police say is true. When I first saw the Chief, he said in Welsh that he charged me with three things, breaking in the house, stealing the money, and causing her death. I do not remember what I said 'they are mistaken'. I was completely overcome when he told me she was dead, and I hardly knew what I said as to Pugh's evidence. My recollection is that I went to the bank, produced the note, and told him how much I wanted and he asked me to sign. I did so, 'J.D.' He did not ask me to sign my own name. When I was on board the Coquette, captained by Captain Jenkins, Havelock Villa, Aberystwyth, in the west coast of Africa, I got a fever, which affected my joints and head. I was never in my mind. All I thought was to get the money, and when I considered that, they would find the money gone. I sent my wife ?40, as I knew she would not use it, and it would be there for the deceased. I did not know she was dead until the Chief told me in Neath. Before my God I say I never intended her any injury or to murder her. I had got the money before I went upstairs. I don't know what possessed me to go upstairs, unless it was to talk to her in my silliness. She used to sleep in the parlour where the money was kept. I don't know whether she recognised me. I did not touch her body anywhere, except on her chest with my own had. I did not touch her at all, except of making her lie across the bed, and I took up the pillow with the right. I did not intend to strangle her, and only meant to stop her, for I put out the candle the same time. We had no struggle in any way. I have only come to myself since I have been in custody. I am nearly broken-hearted at what has happened.
Signed
Thomas Richards
