The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1875-08-21 00:00:00

OLD HILL.

ASSAULT CASR.—At the Petty Sessions held on Wed'
ne sday, before Messrs. N. Hingley, H. Howard, and W.
Bassano, James Downes was charged with assaulting
Hannah Powell, on the 9th inst. Complainant said she
rented a house of the defendant, and was about to leave,
and was removing her goods, when defendant came into
the house, sat down upon the sofa, and demanded a
week's notice. The rent was not due until twelve. Be-
cause she refused to pay him, defendant caught her by
the arm, pinched her, and tore her dress. Corroborative
evidence was given, and defendant fined Is and Costs.
APPLICATION FOR EJECTMENT.—Mr. Stokes, on behalf
of Emma Millard, applied for an ejectment order against
Edward Millard. Mr. Stokes said that complainant, who
is mother to the defendant, let hint a cottage. She gave
him notice to leave, and she now applied for an order to
eject him. Mr. Homer, who appeared for defendant, con-
tended that the defendant was in possession and part
owner. After some legal arguments, the Bench made an
order of ejectment.
CHARGE OF WILFUL DAMAGE. Caleb Kendrick was
charged with wilfully damaging a wall, on the 31st ult,
the property of Sylvanus Billingham. Mr. Waldron ap-
peared to support the charge and Mr. Stokes defenced.
Complainant said that the defendant knocked down the
wall of an ash pit, and did damage to the amount of 10s.
After hearing further evidence, the Bench dismissed the
ease.

ALLEGED RAPE.—EIi Everton (21), was charged with
committing a rape upon a little girl named Emily Priest,
aged eight years, on the 30th May last. Mr. Addison
appeared to prosecute, and Mr. Waldron defended. Mr.
Addison, in opening, said that on the above date the
mother and father of the complainant had occasion to go
to the re-opening of Halesowen Church. They left the
complainant in the house, as well as the defendant, who
was apprenticed to complainant's father. About eight
o'clock at night the defendant caught hold of complain-
ant, dragged her into the brewhouse, laid her down, and
committed the act he was charged with. Evidence was
given to prove that defendant had committed a similar
offence on other occasions. James Griffin Beasley, sur-
geon at Rowley, proved that he was sent for to examine
the complainant, and found that the girl had been in-
jured. The Bench committed prisoner to take his trial
at the next Stafford Assizes; bail being accepted—him-
self in £5O, and two sureties in £25 each.
CAUTION TO RAILWAY TRAVELLERS.—SamueI Pugh, of
Brettell Lane, was charged by John Leadbrooke, Inspec-
tor, with attempting to get into a railway train, on the
23rd ult, at Cradley, whilst in motion. Richard Roach,
Station-master, said that on the above date the defendant
attempted to get into the 7.40 train, whilst in motion.
He caught hold of the defendant and pulled him away,
and the train left with the door open. He asked the de-
fendant for his ticket, but he had not one. Witness had
cautioned the defendant several times. Mr. Leadbrooke
produced the bye-laws, which showed that the defendant
was liable to a fine of 40s. Defendant pleaded guilty,
and was fined 20s and costs; in default one month.