The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1861-03-12 00:00:00

!MOOTING AT A FOLIOS 00XITTABIX.

- - - -
Alfred Dicker (37), was charged with shooting at a
p,,lice-constalale, named John Gralpin, whilst in the
es••ctitiun of his duty at Malborne, on the 21s1 of
I),i:ember, with intent to murder.
Mr. Portman prosecuted, and Mr. Edwards defended.
James Oahiln. police constable at MlBiome, said that
on the 21st of December last he went to the house of
Henry Dicker to make iimisiries respecting the pri-
mmer. Whilst he was there Dicker came in and swore
he would blow his brains out if he laid a finger on him.
He then put is gun about • yard from his head. The
constable then left the place to get souls assistance.
About ten minutes afterwards he brought William
(trey and another until. Dicker was then in the
howl), and the policemen told him lie bad a warrent for
hi, apprehension. Pri-oner said if he came inside the
doors he would blow his brains out. Ha then presented
the gun at the coustable's head, who took the gun in
his right hand and pulled it on one side. The eon.
stable said lie would have the gun, when Dicker replied
with an oath, "You shall have it!" and immediately the
gun ezpluded. The charge went into • hedge about 11
yards from the house. [The constable here produced
MHO twigs (rein the hedge which were cut by the
shot.] lie then took the prisoner into custody, and
found on hint • powder flask and shot born, and some
When taken into custody Dicker desired the
Milner not to press the charge.
I'mm-examined : I was standing on the threshold of
the door when I went to the house the second time.
The door was ajar, end Dicker was behind the door.
The two other persons ware there to assist me, besides
several other persons outside. He entreated lee not to
press the charge. and wished it had not happened. His
wife was coacealed in the house, but I did net me her.
"risoner went quietly to Blandford in my custopdloaar
: When I seised the gun the
ilion an i came in front of me.
:1 live at Milborue, and am an mem
dr Inn. I remember Gilpin ass.. to
to take a man into custody. I Wait
NM the prisoner at the house. I baud
ricer he had a warrant for his apposite.-
bad a gun in his hand, and MOM be
is brains out. Sergeant oalpin caught
hand, and immediately it exploded. I
where
:the shots entered. I went into
I was close by the side of Chapin ea
The door opened on the len side,
Dicker was in the middlessCiAdo
not behindl the door. Galpin "I
you prisoner." He rid be Tumid

Ite-examinegi

=t
' (Tal

altored his
William G
at the Royal
nii• to moist hi
with him. I
(I.mlpiat.o Dii
Mon. Dicker
would blow hi
Ow gull In Lb
Na we the place
the beam wit!
Croa4-staati
euteriug the 11
aud wee wide
the holm, and
ain ebbe O fr'

Dicker

with

I lived.

hoax*.

.open,

quiet.
be

t-k.

his brains out before be should. I rushed upon him
after the plll WM discharged. After that he WU very
et. He did pot my be was sorry for it, but he mid
.. was " aggruvated to do so." I did not state this
before the diaguitrates.
At this stags of the proceedings, his Lordship desired
that the indictment charging the prisoner with intent to
murder should be withdrawn, and that the lighter one
of assaulting the policeman in the execution of his duty
should he substituted.

To this charge Dicker pleaded guilty.
His Lordship, in passing sentence, told the primmer
he did not think it was right that he should bare been
convicted of the deadly mid terrible offense with which
he wee charged If he had been found guilty upon that
charge Ii e should have had no other alternative bet to
transport him for life. He bad acted very right in
pleading guilty to the second charge, but he could not
pass such an Aimee as shooting at • fellow•cresture
lightly over, and it would be putting the prisoner in •
false position if be did not peas upon him • substeatiel
sentence. He should therefore sentinels him to 11

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