The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1858-03-16 00:00:00

Dorottsbirt.

DORSET SPRING ASSIZES.
(Tuesday, March 9.)
CROWN COURT.
(Before Mr. Justice WILLIS and Petty Juries.)
J'ehw Tucker (23), labourer, was indicted for an
abominable offence with a mare at Piddletrenthide on
January 30.
Mr. Gowns appeared for the prosecution.
The prsioner stoutly denied his guilt, and the learned
Judge in putting the case to the jury said no evidence of
the committal of the crime had been adduced, and the
jury could only find the prisoner guilty of an attempt.
If, however, they had a doubt on this point they must
acquit him. The jury found the prisoner Not Guilty.
Georye Roberts (36), labourer, was indicted for crim-
inally assaulting an old woman, named Thomarine
Perry,aged 60, wife of William Perry, of Thorncombe.
Mr. Cooke prosecuted.
On her way to Cloeddington about half-past nine, on
the morning of the 22nd dotober last, the woman
met the prisoner near Wynyard's Gap, where he com-
mitted the offence without saying a word. Passing on she
met • policeman named Symes to whom, weeping, she
related what had occurred. To another officer who
overtook him at Beaminster the prisoner, on the same
day, detailed a number of similar circumstances, and
he was taken into custody on his own statement, telling
the polioeman he was in troubled mind. He was
Identified by the woman.
The jury found the prisoner Guilty of the capital
offence, and a former conviction was then proved against
him for a felony at North Allerton, Yorkshire.
The learned Judge in passing sentence said, the only
reason for not giving him the extreme penalty of the
law was • doubt aa to the state of mind of the pri-
soner ; be by his conduct testifying to the fact that
many who committed offences were very great fools.
Sentenced to 14 years' penal servitude.
Joint Hawker (=), labourer, was charged with ravish-
ing, and with assaulting with intent, EIS" Rowsell on
Jazi 12, at Thornoombe.
Mr. pton prosecuted, and Mr. Bdwarde defended.
Trosecutrix, who was a young girl the daughter of
John Rowed, • respectable farmer living near Win-
ahem, said that about half-past seven on the night
-named she was sent on a message by her mother. The
-prisoner accosted her when at some distance from her
house, on a footpath, and after an inquiry as to who she
had met, he took hold of her and said he would go as
far as the bridge with her. She said he should not, and
just then ooming to a gate he prevented her passing.
She screamed aloud and violently resisted. After this
he threw her down outside the gate, but she struggled
with all her might, and again prevented him, screaming
'murder." He then desisted. In the scuffle she lost a
fur cuff, and a day after on meeting the prisoner he
gave bet the cuff from his poeket. Prisoner had formerly
worked for proseoutrix's father. At some time pre-
vious prisoner met and kissed the proaeoutrix ; and she
admitted that at Christens& time she had adorned her
hoe with a blue bag, mid with her brother and • number
of girls visited the Nag's Inn. At Taunton, where she
had spent some holidays among her relatives, she had
lad' plenty of sprees." Her mother 'on enterint the
-box said her daughter on the night of the offence told her
-all that had taboo place; she was in a terrible state
of aziptustion and cried very much. The whole of
the night following she was ill.
After an address to the jury for the defence, Mr.
Edwards called

F. Miles, Esq., High. Sheriff of the county,
who said he had known the prisoner for many In
and prisoner had always heretofore borne
stbaneter as a-farm labourer. Hs lived in the same
parish as the High Sheriff and worked for him. He had
seen him daily for the past twelvemonth and thought
him a good farm labourer.
The learned Judge carefully munmed up saying, that
the whole ease was one for the connderation of the
jury only. :The first charge, which was the more serious,
that of ravuilimg, appeared not to have been made out,
Inasmuch as he desisted on her crying out warder.
The second charge, that of indecently assaulting her,
seemed the more probable from all the facts of the

The jury found the prisoner Guilty on the second
count, that of an indecent assault.
The learned Judge then sentenced the prisoner—ad-
monishing him—to 3 months' hard labour.
Edmund Hounsell (52), sawyer, and beerhouse keeper
at Wyke Regis was indicted for feloniously shooting at
Lord llohinterls gamekeeper, named Charles Gill, in
Stavordale wood, Abbotabury, on December 6.
Mr. Stook prosecuted, and Mr. Edwards defended the
prisoner.
Bar-jaw Bartlett said that early on the morning in
question he was auistant keeper, and hearing a gun be
went towards the place and discovered prisoner and
another man in the drive. Hounsell appeared to be
loading his gm. A chase ensued when, seeing the
keepers were upon them, one man shot off his gun side-
ways towards the keeper, and Hounsell let off his gun on
the other side towards witness when witness was about
abreast of him. Gill then struck it Hounsell from
behind with a stick, and on witness attempting also to
strike at Hounsell, Gill fell and pitched witness over
him. Witness got up and overtook Hounsell, securing
lain. The other man escaped.
Charles Gill, who wiai very deaf, corroborated the
termer witness. On the discharge of the first gun dirt
flew up towards prosecutor. Prisoner crowed the walk,
turned and, putting his gun to his shoulder, fired round
In the direction of prosecutor. Something from the
gm struck prosecutor's nose and made him blink. He
eras about eight feet from prisoner at the time. Prow
ender struck prisoner at the back of the head and fell
down, Bartlett also ; but Bartlett followed pri.
saner. Afterwards prosecutor saw powder and shot
taken from prisoner's pocket.
The learned Judge at this stage of the use told the
jury, that though there might be strong suspicion in the
natter there did not appear to be anything but • case of
assault. The gall being let off so close to the prosecutor
could not have missed if aimed at him. If • gun wee
let off for the purpose of alarming or frightening the
keeper it was a eau of assault. HIS lordship, under the
circumetanoes, directed the jury not to return • verdict of
feloniously shooting.
The jury acquitted the prisoner accordingly. He was
then indicted for night poaching armed, and for • com-
mon assault upon Gill the gamekeeper. To the count
charging him with assault Hounsell pleaded Guilty, and
oa the other count, the prosecutor offering no evidence,
the jury, by the direction of the learned Judge, acquitted
the prisoner.
The learned Judge sentenced the prisoner to six
months' imprisonment for the assault.
Wet. Courage (33), carter, was indicted for dealing •
bag and two bushels of wheat belonging to his master,
William Martin, at Sturcoinster Marshall, on Sunday
morning, the 14th February.
Mr. Flooke prosecuted and Mr. Cooke defended, in-
structed by Mr. F. W. Freeman, of Wimborne.
Henry Young, groom to prosecutor, said that on Fri-
day the 12th all, he found • bag of wheat in the straw-
house. Afterwards, on the same day, he found two
other bags of wheat also hidden. Witness and other*
were set to watch, and on the Sunday morning following
when away from his post • few minutes he was
called by another ',etcher named Carter. They found
• home eating wheat from the manger. They also found
• biW wifieh had * ravelled end, and which wee the
OM found; it was behind a coat to Vhioh it *as
tied. The carters mixed wheat dust With,
sometimes. Carter odd that at tine on the Sunday
morning he left the three sulpeCted begs all right; but
on returning through the rick-yard, in about 20 gib:lutes,
the bag that had been covered Withrttraw had been to-
moved. The D'Alener was in the when Carter went
away, and there were some boys here likewise. Carter
toot • coat from the stable well and found • beg at-
teethed to it There were a peat mink bazgeoan the
so farm, Some new and me old, some ravel and
some not. There were also some 50 men on the farm,
who occasionally tat a bag if it were rainy.
The prosecutor said that on the 14th ult. he west with
Young and Carter to pnsoneei stable. On putting his
hand into the bin he found a quantity of wheat whisk
had no business to be there. On the day following one
of the horses became ill, and had not yet recovered.
Prisoner said the wheat was only &khans' food. Mud-
ing a horse frothing at the mouth prosecutor went to the
manger and found a quantity of wheat. Proceoutor oohed
prisoner if he knew anything of the sack behind the
coat, and prisoner said, "To tulle the truth I carried
home a few turnips in the sack last night." Prosecutor
first said, "Oh? it's quite visible enough, for there's
the sack in your coat." Prisoner also said it was
chicken victuals, and then that it was wheat swept up
from the rick, and prisoner denied severel times any
knowledge of the sack. There were plenty of swedes
near the farm house. Prisoner on being apprehended
by Supt. Banton said "Ahl but no one saw me take
It, though."'
After an able address in defence from Mr. Cooke, his
Lordship summed up, and the jury returned a verdict of
Not Gaty.
James Methane (32), captain of the Harriet schooner,
of Mahon, and Charles Norris (32), captain of the
Hollywood barque, were indicted for feloniously shoot-
ing at a cabin boy, John Williams, on board the Harriet
In Portland Roads on January 6.
Mr. Edwards prosecuted, and Mr. Stock was counsel
for Metham, and Mr. Cooke defended Norris.
The Harriet reached Portland Roads from France;
and about 10 on the night of the 6th of January Metharn
returned to his ousel, bringing with him Norris, wholes
vessel was alongside. It will be remembered, from the
fulness with which the ease has been recently detailed
In our columns, that both captains had been drinking
considerably. Norris took down a Fin which hung I
over the mantlepieoe, and while Williams was cooking I
some steaks Metham loaded the weapon and Norris let
It off, portion of its contents slightly wounding the neck
of Williams. A day or two afterwards the lad went
ashore while Metham was absent, and some one intro-
dimed him to the police, when the captains were appre-
hended. Neither of the lads, Pearce or Williams'
could swear that shots were put into the gun.
ant. Stook addressed the jury on behalf of Methiim,
rMr. Cooke on the part of Norris; and his Lordship
having rimmed up,
The jury returned a verdict of Oculty of an unlawful
assault, but recommended prisoners to mercy in conse-
quence of their being drank.
The learned Judge said he would reserve his sentence.
Absalom Croad (36), on bail, labourer, was indicted
for stabbing and wounding Charles Dicker on Oct. 12,
1887, at Maborne Stitch=' near Milborne St. Andrew.
Mr. Portman was counsel for the prosecution, and Mr.
Edwards defended the prisoner.
A row ensued between the parties owing to an alter-
cation between their wives, and in the waffle the stab-
bing, it was alleges, took place; but a little lad said he
did the stabbing and not the prisoner. The jury ac-
quitted the prisoner.
The Court rose about 8 Unlock, and adjourned to 9
Wednesday morning.
WF.DNESDAY.
(Before Mr. Justice WILLI'S and Petty Jteiem,)
James Metham and Charles Norris, the two captales,
were brought up for sentence.
Lordahip ordered them to enter into recognisance',
—themselves in £5O each for good conduct for a twelve-
month, and to come up if required at that thing or
j udgment.
joerph Gifu Coorabs (21) and XS" Combs (21) were
Indicted for stealing articles of wearing apparel, con-
sisting of a pair of stays, • frock coat, a black apron, a
bodies, and other articles, belonging to John Champ, as
January 27, at Bridport.
Mr. Cole conducted the prosecution.

The young couple obtained lodgings at prosecutor's
on the night Preceding the robbery. The female had
been • servant living opposite the prosecutor. The man
next day went away, as he said, to Exeter, and the
young woman was put to work by prosecutor, who had
occasion to go out, but he returned in two hours found
the bird flown, and missed the contents of a cupboard with
a number of articles of wearing apparel from pro-
secutor's daughter's box. The female prisoner said the
prosecutor offered to take and provide for her if she
eonsented to act as his wife and left her hus-
band, ache (prosecutor) declined to house the husband;
but prosecutor denied the imputation, reverting the
dory and applying it to the young woman. The
daughter identified the articles stolen, she having gone
to service and left the box at her father's. Mrs.
Pomeroy, a marine store dealer, said, that on the day
in question the female prisoner offered her a dress, and
borrowed some provisions upon it, saying herhusband was
working out of town and she wanted souiething till
Saturday. Mrs. Hera said that the couple cause to •
house she lodged at in Lyme, on the 28th, of January,
and • day or two after the young woman_ prisoner asked
her to sell the stays, but failing in this Mrs. Ham con-
sented to take the stays in payment for the food the
young couple had, and Mrs. Ham gave her sScl. in addi-
tion. The female prisoner presented Mrs. Ham with •
brooch also, which Mrs Hain described as being so com-
mon in Lyme that she could get as many as she could
carry away at 2d. a piece. Another woman at Lyme
deposed to lodging the prisoners. A month afterwards
the woman was apprehended and taken to Bridport,
when she wore the bodice, a brown Holland jacket.
The male prisoner followed her thither, and was appre-
hended outside the rtation house.
The learned Judge then summed up, and the jury re-
turned • verdict of Not Guilty against the man, and
Guilty against the IVOO2IIII.
His Lordship, in passing sentence, said he was glad
the jury had acquitted the man, conceiving that he
might have done better had he not fallen into the had
company of the girl. The young woman's conduct was
accompanied with circumstances which rendered it •
case of deep ingratitude. She was sentenced to 6 months'
hard labour.

Charles Hellier and Charles Deals (on bail) two
young men, were indicted for obtaining a donkey and
10s. by false pretences from Wm. Haidinent, rabbit-skin
dealer, at nafteibury, on January 13; and a second
count charged them with oonspiracy to defraud Maid-
meat.

r. Edwards prosecuted, and Mr. Cole defended.
William Maidnient, of Danbead, said, that on the 13th
of January he went to the Fox and Hounds, Shaftes-
bury. A man named Taylor was there and had some
ale with him. Rather came in, Dean was there already.
Hellier aaked Dean if he would buy the watch they bad
been talking about the other night. Dean said, " Well,
I'll give thee 50e. for 'un the seine as I offered thee the
other night." Hellier said "Is it likely I am going to
sell • watch for 50.., that was out of Mr. Manifield's
shop for £5? No, I'll never sell this watch to you or
anybody else under £3. Mr. Mansfield made the
watch, and he was took out of the watch and clock club.
The man paid ía £5 for the watch. A. little while after
he bad the watch the mail died, and I bought 'un of the
widder: I bought 'on chip, and iian afford to sell 'on
chip." "1 giant give for 'tn," Dean said, "if you
Ilk, to take the there it is —putting the money on
the table—adding "Well, there, I chant give no more
for 'on if you don't like to have it." Heiner then said
to progenitor, "Well, Maidment, where's thee donkey
Das want to sell us? Prosecutor told him the middy
was in thesis's's, and that he wanted 40e. for it if sold.
Hellier went on, "I shoat give 'ee 401. I'll ohop with
'ee for the watch if you like." Prosecutor answered,
"I don't want the watch, nor I shunt have nothinito
do vrith the watch." Hellier said," What 'll 'ee give
ms to boot ? II you 'II gie me 30s. to boot I shall p
with 'ea." Prosecutor still declined. Dean was pre-
sent, and said, "Here, MAidment, I do want to speak
to, thee • minute." Dean went into the back- to
try and buy the watch of him, saying. " bay the
mash of thee as soon as ever thee's (lope Fil gie thee
Ns. for the watch. I know where to go to make £4 or
£4 10e. of this watch. I went to Fern (Mr. Groves),
and let the servants have a trumpery thing of a watch
and now they wants • better, and you can come with
me, and all we get over 50e. we'll part between us."
Prosecutor said he should " not haveanything to do with
the watch. If you do know where to make £4 of the
watch why don't you give Heiner the £3 for 'on?'
" Twould be better for me, certainly, to buy 'tin of you
for 50e. than give ES for on' to Blether." Prosecutor
said "Never mind, Charley, if Ido have the, watch I
have 'un for you." "You've no call to fear, as soon as
ever you do chop there's the 50e. for 'ea." Prosecutor then
went into the house and said to Hellier, "Well, I'll
give thee half a sovereign and the donkey for the watch."
Higher said, "You shall have 'tin." Prosecutor took
out the halfeovereign and gave it and the donkey
to Hellier, and in return be had the watch.
Prosecutor then went into the yard and said
to Dean "Now, Charley, I've got the watch: you gie
me the 50s. and you shall have on." "Don't be too fast
upon me," said Charley. "Well, I don't want un,"
said prosecutor. "Well, if thee's got the watch, Maid-
ment, thee's better keep 'nil," advised Charley, adding,
afterwards, "Well, ru gie thee 40s. if you'll trust the
other 105.," but did not produce the money. Prosecutor
would not consent. Prosecutor brought the watch to
Dorchester and showed it to Mr. Thomas Saunders,
silversmith. Sunday night and Taesday night he slept
at the Greyhound. Both prisoners lodged at the same
house with prosecutor. Prosecutor slept in an inner
room where there was but one entry. Dean slept in the
next room. On going to bed on Tuesday night prose-
cutor had his watch in his trowsers pocket, and put his
troweers under the pillow. About 4 °Nilo& next morn.
lug he woke up and found the trowsers dangling down
outside the bed. He searched for his watch
but found neither watch nor money. It was a rather
low publierhouse lodging-house, and there might have
been • good many young ladies sleeping there.
Prosecutor in crossaxaminstion acknowledged that on
the morning of the 13th January, at Shaftesbury, he had
been selling rabbit skins. Taylor, Dean, and prosecutor
were drinking in one party, and all three went to Tay-
lor's ,to sell rabbit-skins. The donkey was not a blood
racer. There was nearly an hour elapsed between
prosecutor receiving the watch and Dean telling him
that he might keep it. The donkey had been turned
over to Hellier's brother by Hellier.
Mr. Thomas Saunders said that on Monday prosecutor
showed him a watch worth about ss. It was an electro
plated article. It was a "runner" and not meant
'to go." New ones of the same sort might be had for
Ik made by manufacturers, and showily got up, to de-
olive the public
Mr. Cols submitted that there was no case. There
was no motive to the count of fales pretence.; and
as far as Nan was concerned Dean knew no more of
the value of the watch than Maidment, be having
offered 50s. for it.

--iii-S-I;l:di;l4,lowever, while admitting there was no
ease of false pretenses, said it was a matter for the oon-
sideration of the jury.
The learned counsel then addressed the jury, indulg-
ing in considerable humour. A good going watch might
be made without • silver use for 125.; and some
watches would go a little, others would go • good deal,
and some would not go at all; yet this watch did go al-
together last night at the Greyhound, which MAidment
must have known was not • very respectable place,
seeing that he put his breeches under the pillow. The
Idea of conspiring to take in an innocent like Middment
who had paid two visite to the treadmill for 4 and 3
menthe respectively was at least singular. Mr. Mans-
Uhl had not been called to show the false pretence.
Besides watchmakers themselves sometimes deceived
buyers.
Tulcz was called, and said that he belonged to St.
Famed. Prosecutor left some skins at witnese's house on
the morning in question and on going into the Fox and
Hounds they found D•11:11 outside. Witness, Dean and
Xiamen* returned to witness's house, sold the rabbit
skins and returned to the publichouse. About 3 o'clock
Hellier and DOM began Mlldng about • watch, Dean
saying lse would as lief thy • watch as anything else if
he could pin anything by It The watch was handed
about and witnessmould at once have offered £4 or £5 for
it if he had had the money. Dean said he could not
glee the £3 asked by Ranier, and went away. Hellier
asked prosecutor what he had ; and prosecutor said •
noddy, but if he lost as much again as he did by the skins
he must go to day labour. Shortly after, witness saw
prosecutor give half-a-sovereign and a donkey for the
width, and when Dean come back about 5 o'clock pro-
mentor said he would sell the watch to Dean for the 50e.
he had previously offered for it. Dean said, "Sines I
have been away I have spent 10a, and I'll give you the
£2 provided you will trust me the other 10e. for • week,"
and took • sovereign and two half-sovereigns from •
purse. Witness said he was • marine store dealer and
so was Dean. . . .

-----.
Joseph Tronlen, wholesale shopkeeper and marine
store dealer, Shaftesbury, spoke of the good character of
the prisoners. Holier kept a toy store, and Dean was a
marine store dealer.

--iirifidi;",i-ill;:iteebary, licensed hawker, also spoke
as to the probity of the prisoners.
Mr. Edwards having replied,
His Lordship summed up, remarking that upon the
list count, that of false pretesting, the watch having
been said to be sold by Mr. Mansfield for £6, the charge
fell to the ground, Mr. Mansfield not having been called.
On the second count—that of conspiracy to defraud,
the jury must return a verdict against both prisoners or
neither, as the indictment ehaz.d them with enacting •
description of play together to oUaM for • watch a higher
vane. The jury must dismiss from their minds any
prejudice as to one of the prisoners being a marine store
dealer. The circumstance of the prosecutor not hav-
ing been asked the cause of hie being twice imprisoned
most be taken to refer to his character for veracity. If
the jury thought that, as one, the prisoners strove to
palm off the worthless watch upon the prosecutor they
must And a verdict adverse to them.
The jury found the prisoners guilty of conspiracy.
Mr. Oole cited the csse of the QUM% v. Bryan in eisp.
port of an application for postponing judgment, but
His Lordikip over-ruled the point, and sentenced the
prisoners to 4 months' hard labour.
&leaner Polka (on bail) flax dreamer, of Bridport
was indicted for wilful perjury at Bridport on the 16th
Mr. Stook was counsel for the prosecution, and Mr.
Edwards defended the prisoner.
On January 27 • charge of window breaking sgainst
a vagrant was preferred at Bridport, when the case was
adjourned to the home of Mr. Howe who could not
attend the Court. As the parties were going to Howe's
the prisoner, William Thomas, jun., Alfred Barton,
and others were talking about the ease, and policeman
No. 18, Robert Kellnway came up and after hearing the
talk, looked round, as prisoner said, with "a marl and
• gristle." Prisoner masted him with "perhaps you
don't know I am • rate parer." " I don't know whether
you are or not," replied NO. 18. If you will make
out your bill at the end of the year, I win then pay you
what you have laid out on my amount." Prisoner
called the policeman " a liar," and the ;Timmer said he
was one, adding "He struck me ( ,'per) three or
four times manfully, challenging Thomas to fight in any
way he thought proper either kicking, fighting, Or
wrestling," describing with his fists the way the blows
were struck. Prisoner told the policeman he would
make him talk better.
A. good deal of animosity seems to have arise& with
I reference to the introduction of the county polies at
Bridport, many of the respectable inhabitants, how.
ever, favouring them ; and this action wits brought in
order to show that fame charges could not be brought
Wahl' the police with impunity. The policeman's
Matement was corroborated , Moor, deputy 'leak
ticita.nrietrates, and by Mr. ' Hebden who at-
the &idport polies court occasionally for the
purpose of rsporng for a no
Prisoner he Mk:Mr.
: summons against

r the officer, but the superintendent offered to have the
I Policeman in attendance at the next petty sessions.
' Accordingly on the 16th ult, the action was brought
when the prisoner detailed the above description of the
scene at the Townhall door. The version by the police,
however, caused the summons to be discharged and the
prevent charge to be instituted. In cross-examination
Rellaway said he told prisoner "he did not look like •
ratepayer, and all he paid would not keep a church
mouse." The prisoner called the policeman " • liar"
twice when the officer told him to go on, "pushing
him like this"—with an open hand, in the usual way
used towards persons obstructing the footway. The
officer denied that a blow was struck.
At this part of the proceedings his Lordship stopped
the case observing from the view he took in looking over
the depositions it was nothing more nor less than •
policeman telling people to move on, they using some
angry language towards him, and he giving them
pushes making them move along, and not employing
anything that could be fairly called blows. On the
other hand, as the police had been introduoed for the
first time only recently, people unaccustomed to them
might have had their blood up, and in the examination
construed pushes into blows. However, the police
were a great protection to the inhabitants of the
country; and whatever opinion might be entertained,
those who interrupted them in the execution of their
duty were acting against the law, and they would find
the law strong enough to punish them. If there had
been any feeling against their introduction, people
would think better of it, and abstain from insttltnag
policemen. It was doubtful whether it would at all
tend to good if this prosecution was gone on with ; and
his Lordship thought the prisoner ought to have the
benefit of the doubt. He, therefore, advised the jury to
find a verdict of Not Guilty. He thought the jury
would find in the end that the prisoner was angry, and
had so given the evidence which he was charged with
giving fi&ely. The jury accordingly returned& verdict of
Not Guilty.
This being the last charge on the calendar, his Lord-
ship thanked the jury for their attendance, and the
ootut rose about two o'clock.