The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1874-03-07 00:00:00

THE LATE RIOTING AT THE LYE.

At the Stourbridge Police Court, yesteaday, be.
fore ~Messrs. J. IL Cochrane and J. C. A. Scott,
David Pritchard, Enoch Pardue, Richard Perry,
Isaac Taylor, Myra Pardue, and Samuel Taylor were
charged with rioting at the Lye, on the 12th ultimo.
Mr. Collis appeared to prosecute, and Mr. Perry
defended.

Before the case was gone into; Mr. Perry asked
that the time should be stated as to what part of the
day the defendants were engaged in rioting, and that
it would be necessary to have an adjournment, to
produce a number of witnesses.

• Mr. Scott said he had taken the opinion of the
Clerk, and he did not see any reason to depart from
the ordinary course. But if anything occurred dur-
ing the hearing of the trial, Mr. Perry flould renew
his application.
Mr. Collis said he was instructed by the Chf-con-ie
stable of the County to proceed against the defend-
ants, for rioting at the Lye, on the 12th inst. He
should prove by a number of witnesses that the de-
fendants, with others, were creatiug a great disturb-
ance, and were of opinion that on election days
there was no law. But be thought it would be found
Stunt the law would be strong enough for them.
Superintendent William Freeman deposed: I was
at the Lye on the 12th February, in charge of sixty
tile,,. The polling took place at the Mechanics' In-
nitute, and that was where the force was stationed.
We got there about eight o'clock, Towards ten
o'clock stone throwing commenced, and there must
have becu several hundreds present. As the day
ware On, the violence increased, and many thousands
of wrsons were in the roads. A murderous attack
wis commenced on the police, by throwing stones,
aad beating the men with sticks. A great quantity
it palings was torn up and divided.
. . . .

Mr. Perry objeet4 to Wm stAterueut being ulnae,
00 it diiliut apply to the defendants.

Mr. Scott It is necessary to give a general state-
in lit of what took plae

_
Saperiatendent Freeman (continuing): The throw-
ing of stones and wood was directed principally
against the police. In consequence of that we had
to charge them, and drove thew back. About four
o clock there was a great disturbance, and Mr. James
S. indell, one of the magistrates tortilla diViBioll, said
"I am going to read the Riot Act. Pay attention."
He then read something from a paper. I could not
hear what was said. While it was being read, stone
throwing continued, and the mob were violent, and
we had to charge them. On returning home, a groat
number of men and women followed, and they were
again charged, and ran away. On coming under the
railway bridge, a large quantity of bricks were thrown
attic, and the lives of the men were hi great dan-
ger.

Cross-examined : I can't say a single word against
either of the defendants. The reason I did not take
nit summonses before the 24th February, is that I
Willi in hula's of getting inure names.
By the Bench In my opinion the conduct of the
people at the Lye, was sufficient to shike terror to
the inhabitants. Many persons were struck besides
the police.
. . _ _

- - -
Police-sergeant Rea deposed: I was at the Lye
on tbe 12th February. 1 know David Piitchard and
/taw him at the Lye about 11 o'clock. Stone throw.
lug was going on near the Institute. I stood inside
and saw Pritchard throwing at the police. 1 had
charge of the Institute, and was directed by the
Chief Constable to scud for more men. Later in the
afternoon I saw Pritchard higher up the road, throw-
ing stones. I was struck on the helmet and laxly
with stones, but not seriously injured. I have kuown
Pritchard for 7 years.
Police-constable Bladon deposed I was on duty at
the Lye, on the 12th nit, and formed one of the silty
men. I saw Pritchard and Euoch Pardue about 11
o'clock in the morning, and several times daring. the
day. They were throwing stones. They appeared to
be the ringleaders. My helmet was smashed.
Cio,s, • 1. Pardoe was dressed in dark
coloured clothes. Had list seen him before that day.
Saw him there after the Riot Act was read. Pritch-
ard had a sleeved waistcoat on. Lust saw Pardee in
a field throwing stones about qnarter to five.
. .

Police-const,ihle Tomlin said: I was first stationed
ligdiust the Institute, and afterwards higher up the
rmid. I know Enoch Pardoe, David Pritchard, and
Myra Pardoe. On the above date about half-past
ten, WII4 sent to fetch a strong police force. On re-
turning to the Lye, I saw Pardoe throwing stones at
the police. He got in front of a number of people
and said, " come on."
Police-constable Willett proved seeing Pritchard
aud Enoch Pardoe throwing stones.
Police-constable Smith proved seeing Pritchard
throwing stones.
Police-sergeant Rea, recalled: When I served
Myra Pardoe with the summons she denied throwing
stones but adtnitted she threw dirt.

William Henry Jones, licensed— victualler, said :
I 'Live been snunnoned to give evidence in this case.
I know Myra Pardee and on the polling day had oc-
casion to go to her father's house and as I was re-
turning she threw a cinder at me. It struck noon
the back, but did not hurt ate. I do not wish to
wee: the case. _

At this stage Myra Pardoe was discharged.
Police-constable Heath proved seeing Taylor throw-
lag at the
_ -

In the car se of Perry, Mr. Collis said he had a wit-
ness against him, but as he did not appear, he should
ask for the ease to be withdrawn.

_
Perry was discharged.
This being the case,
Mr. Pony said he was prepared to go on with the
ease cgaList Taylor, but mast ask for u remand in
the case of Enoch Pardee: