The Express.
London, England, 1863-02-11 00:00:00

FVENING; FEBRITABY :IX-T' 1863.

THE POLICE COURTS.

MANSION-HOUSE.

William Ward, labourer, was chaiged before the Lord
Mayor with wilfully breaking two squarie.of plate lass,
value 121. 12e, under the following circumstances : • '
Mr. George Rice, manager to Maws. Still and Co.,
tailors, of No. 87, Oannonetreet West, deposed that on the
previous afternoon he was sittiadquistlylat tea in:the back
part of the premises, when, all -at once. he heard a ins-
mendous crash in front of the house, and, on rushing out,
he saw the prisoner, with • large mallet in his hand, in
the act of breaking the third and last square of glass,
having already completely shattered two, each of which
was valued at about 61. He had already made two blows
at the remaining square, when a constable came up and
prevented him doing further damage by taking him off to
the station.
When aakeditwhat be had to say in defence the pri-
soner pleaded poverty and hunger, stating that he was in
a starving condition and wanted to be locked up.
The Lord Mayor said it was a very bad case, and his lord-
ship availed himself of the recent statute, which renders
the wilful destruction of property of the value of 5/. and
upwards an indictable offence, punishable with imprison
went and hard labour, and command the prisoner for trial,

A respectable looking woman, about 33 years of age.
stated to the magistrate that she had been married some
time ago to a gentleman who had subsequently deserted
her, since which the Roman catholic priest who bad married
them had taken away her wedding-ring and certificate, for
which she wished a gammons against him. He bad ad-
ministered chloroform to her, she added, and had taken
them from her when she was under its influence. She was
ososeious at the time, but without power to resist.
Mr. Paynter thought her story very unlikely, but said
she might give the person of whom she complained into cue.
tody, if she thought fit.
Before leaving the court, applicant stated the name of
the priest against whom her charge was made.
A well-dressed and good-looking middle aged woman, who
gave the name of Sarah Bailey, was charged with the fol-
lowing gross misconduct :
Mr. Dyer, the proprietor of a refreshment house at 64,
King's.road, Chelsea, said that the previous night the de-
fendant had goods of him to the value of id., which she
refused to pay. He asked her civilly for the money when
she used the most disgusting language to him, struck him
several times, and took up a knife to stab him.
Mr. Paynter—What is she—a prostitute'
Defendant—No ; 1 am not, you old swine. I'm, a re-
spectable married woman.
A youth in complainant's employ confirmed his state-
ment, adding that be (witness) took the knife from her hand.
Defendant—You took the knife from my band, you
! Do you know that you are speaking of a respectable
married woman' What did you do, eh?
Witness—l helped to turn you out of the shop.
Defendant—You helped to turn me out of the shop
turn you. Saying which she rushed towards him to put her
threat into execution, but was restrained by the os of
the court, whin she laughed derisively, and repeating"
You helped to turn me out, did you r exclaimed, , Why
I could at two better men than you and your master."
Charles Sutton, 139 B—l was called to take the defendant
into custody.
Defendant—Yes ; and then I walked into you, didn't I?
Of course, you're very much hurt, you—. (Here a volley
of the mo 4 filthy epithets followed, which created laughter
amongst some of the persons assembled.)
Mr. Poynter—lf the laughter is repeated I shall certainly
have the court cleared. 1 cannot see anything to laugh at
in a human being degraded below the level of the beast.
Defendant's previous conviction for disorderly conduct
having been returned, I am determined to commit her for
three months.

SOUTHWARK.
A singular middle-aged man, dressed in a suit of shabby
black, who gave the name of Isaac Merriam, and exhi-
bited the remains of • black eye, and an old cut over the
nose, was brought up in custody charged with begging in
the public streets.
Police-constable 217 hi said that about six o'clock the
evening be was on duty DOW London-bridge, whew
he saw the prisoner standing by the entrance of the railway
termini. He was bolding his hand out, and soliciting alms.
Witness went up to him and cautioned him, when he moved
away. However, a little while afterwards witness saw the
prisoner at the game spot begging again.
The magistrate asked him whether he heard the prisoner
ask any one for money ?
The constable replied in the negative ; but be saw him
receive several sums, among which was a sixpence. He
then took him into custody, feeling satisfied that he was a
begging-letter impostor, end on searching him be found •
petition, eettinv forth that the bearer—Leman Harriso
City clerk—was garotted on the 20th of December, sad
not only nearly murdered but robbed, and in aonssgweed
illness lost his situation, and begging assistance from the
benevolent. _ _

The rate observed that be never heard much as
excuse for ging in his life. As for being garotted, that
was all false.
The Chief Clerk said that be had no doubt the prisoner
was a successful beggar, and the black eye and cut over the
nose was caused of ter one of his carouaings.
The prisoner said it was nothing of the kind. He was
protted and nearly murdered. He also denied being a pro-
torsional beggar.
The Magistrate had no doubt about that, but be should
remand him until Thursday, so that a communication
might be made with the Mendicity licciety, who no doubt
knew all about him.