The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1871-11-04 00:00:00

CHARGE OF ASSAULT AGAINST A
SOLICITOR.

George William Prescott was summoned by Emily
Thomas, for that be did, on the 17th October, unlawfully
and indecently assault a certain female, namely the said
Emily Thomas. The defendant WU further charged oath
assaulting Emily Thomas, on the 17th October.
Mr. Motteram (Oxford Circuit) instructed by Mr. Ad.
therm, appeared for complainant; and Mr. C. Smith
(Oxford Circuitl, for defendant.
Mr. Motterain ,mened the case at some lergtb, and
called
Emily Thomas deposed: I am the daughter of Jolt,
Lewis. My father is dead, and my mother is worried to
Mr. LeWIA, and lives in Berry 'a yard. I wile servant to
Mr. l'rescott for more than three m 'nth., and was in Vie
habit of going home to sleep. On Tuesday. the 170,
October, defendant was in the ilining.ro sri, I was
the brewhoase. Miss Yowls was out. Defendant shut
the buys in the dining-room, and went into the kitchen
Defendant called me into the kitchen, saying that he
wanted some hot water to wash hai feet. 1 tu:d him
would put Borne out. He afterwards enquired if it won
'Wt. I took a candle to see, as the kitchen was in (link.
nose. I found the water wee hot by putting my linger
into the saecepan. o,•fendaet was at that time standing
with his lmeli to the fire, his hands behind him. To loot<
into the swop puu I had to yems close by him. Defend-
ant began to stroke my face. and pull my ear. I said,
"Visa have made a mist ike, girl I sin not Mks POWIK."
Miss Powie is Mr. Prescott's housekeeper. Defendant
then put his left hand on my month, and the other up
tar clothes. I resisted. Defendant Raid. "Don't be ails
; It me catch lan II of you." His hand was as fat
as my lines,. I struggled to get away. I could not cry
out, because he had his Imnd over my mouth, but na
soon as I could I ran into the brewhoune. Defendant
went into the dining-room. I went into the brewhouse
and got away. While he was in the dining-room I put
the water into the kitchen, and went away. Had been in
the brewliotnie :,bout 20 minutes before Miss Powis re-
tented. Did not say anything to her because I knew the
defendant and Miss Yowls were on very intimate term..
I was in the habit of sleeping at home. I went home
that night. My mother was in bed. Did not see hi r
next morning, as I left home at at o'clock to go to Mr.
Prescott's houee. On the 18th went home at nine o'clock.
Saw my mother, and told her what had happened. That
was the first time I had seen my mother. From what I
had told my mother, she gave ino instructions to go for
my wages. I went and asked for them on Thursday
morning. I told defendant my mother had sent in. tee
my money. Defendant said I was to take my things and
go on with my work. I told him I must not, but had
come for my money. Defendant did not offer to give me
my money. I told him if he did not, my mother would
come up herself. Defendant then gave me 4s 6d. My
wages were dn. I showed him my hand, that it was too
much. Defendant said, " All right, Jane," and winked
hie eye at me. I then went sway. The same night it
happened I mentioned the case to Ann Homer. I met
her in Charchatreet. On the Thursday I went to the
Police-office to get a enninions. I went twice with my
mother—once on the Thursday. and ,seer on the Friday.
On the Saturday the firsi ennui.. WRY taken out, and a
second summons on Tuesday, the '2lth. On that day
while I wss there, defendant came in, and said he wanted
• summons sgainst me for perjury. The Clerk said that
the cane had not been heard. Defendant said it was is
shame he could not get justice, and that he would have
Mr. Freer I,tr the Bench. The Clerk said, well, that
must be the Iwo,.
..114.4•sainined. I ant 11. Di not lino iv how long my
fat.,, rli is le•en teemed but it is live or six years.
Mr. thAteram suggested that that question should he
put to the mother, and not to this young girl.
Mr. Smith said, very well.