The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1872-11-16 00:00:00

OLD HILL.

CHARGE Or ATTEMPTED Ittoo.—At the Petty Sessions,
held on Wednesday, before Messrs. F. W. O. Bares and
N. Hingley, James Foster and William Hayward were
charged with attempting to ravish Hannah Coley, on the
3rd inst Mr. Addison appeared to prosecute, and Mr.
Stokes defended. Mary Hayward was also charged with
aiding and abetting. Complainant said that on the above
date Mary Hayward came to her house between seven
and eight o'clock, and asked her to her house. She went,
and after sitting down a short time, asked her to go up
upstairs, and see some new bedsteads sbe had got. She
went upstairs, anti Mary Hayward went with her. On
going into the front room she found the two male defen-
dants there. Mary Hayward went out of the room, and
shut the door. Foster then threw her on the bed, and
pulled her dress over her head. She struggled and got
up, when Foster threw her down again, and Hayward laid
hold of her by the hands, and committed the assault
complained of. She screamed and called out, "Mary,"
who answered, but did not come to her asseistance. Hay-
ward then assaulted her, and Foster put his hands over
her mouth, when she kicked him. [The evidence here
given was of &revolting nature, and unlit fcr publication.]
Complainant said that after she came down stairs, the
two male defendants having also come down, Foster, in
the presence of Hayward and his wife, threw her down
on the screen, and indecently assaulted her. The wit-
ness was severely cross-examined to show that she was a
consenting party, and some of her answers were given
with great levity, and she was cautioned.—Mr. Stokes
addreased the Bench for the defence, and contended that
the evidence of complainant had not been corroborated,
and that she could have called an important witness who
was her companion if the prosecution had thought proper,
and he should ask the Bench to discharge the defendants.
—After • short consultation, the Beach discharged the
defendants, and the case against Mary Hayward was with-
drawn.

A VIOLENT Max.—James Powell was charged with re.
fusing to quit the Fox Hunt Inn, Garratts Lone, on the
2ad instant. Hr. Stokes appeared for the prosecution.
Defendant was farther charged with assaulting Samuel
Bate, the landlord ; and further charged with assaulting
Police-constable Grady on the same date, while in the
execution of his duty. Grady said that he was called in
to turn the defendant out, when he began to kick. Wit-
nes. bad several bruises and cuts on his legs, tamed by
the defendant. He was so violent that he had to use his
staff. Samuel Bate, the landlord, said that he was fetehed
out of his butcher's shop, as the defendant was fighting,
and he (witness) was assaulted by the defendant. The
defence was that he was drank, and did not recollect it.
For the first offence, ordered to pay costs; for the assault
upon the police, 2s 61 and coat.; for assaulting Bate. 2.
6d and coats; in default 14 days in each case—James
Powell (the younger) and Rath Powell were then charged
with obstructing Police-constable Grady while in the cue-
cation of his duty, on the 2nd. Complainant said that
the two defendants tried to rescue their father from him.
Ordered to pay costa.
ASSAULT Case.—Joseph Bannister was charged with
assaulting Sarah Parkes, OD the 9th ins!. The case was
proved and defendant Sued Sa and costs.
DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. Thome Hackett was

charged with being drunk and disorderly, on the 4th iust.
Police-constable Cooper proved the offence. Ordered to
pay Coats.
CAUTION TO Hon.—Benjamin Palmer was charged
with setting fire to a rocket, on the 28th October, near
the highway. There was no evidence to prove that the
defendant net flee to it; but it was proved that defendant
set lire to a squib. Ordered to pay costa.
NEGLECT Or Woe.—Samuel Brettle was summoned
by Joseph Bildngqatu for neglecting his employment ass
ehaintrisker, and claimed £.4 lb s 9d as compensation.
Defendant agreed to return the iron, and work in. week,
aud pay costs in default to be committed for three
months.
CHARGE Or STEALING PIGEONS. Joseph Siddaway
was charged with taking a pigeon, on the 3rd October,
the property of Joseph hinter. Complainant said the
defendant took the pigeon, which was worth -Is. Defend.
ant pleaded guilty, and was ordered to pay the value of
the pigeon, and a See of lid, and costs.
ATTEMPTING 20 STEAL hioNEY. John Lowe was
charged with attempting to steal money, on the 11th that,
the property of Benjamin Hadley. Mary Jane Hadley,
who keeps& stationer's shop at Blackheath, said she was
in the kitchen when she beard a noise at the till. She
went to see what was the matter, and found the defend.
ant leaning over the counter, in the act of taking the
money from the till. She caught hold of him, but the
defendant got away from her. She afterwards gave in.
formation to the police. Police.conatable Wade proved
apprehending prisoner, who pleaded veiny. Prosecutor
said he hoped the Bench would be as lenient with him at
possible, so that the dignity of the law may be carried
out. He had no vindictive feeling towards him. Corn.
milted for 14 days hard labour.