The Express.
London, England, 1867-11-21 00:00:00

TILE POLICE COURTS.

BOWSTRICET.

Edward Charles Jain; Srea7"of The Firs, Boreham,
medicalEllstree, Hertfordshire, a mediil man, and known as Dr.
Shaw, appeared to two summonses, one under the r and 9
Vick, cap. 100, sec. 90, for taking or haring charge of a
lunatic for profit, without the certificate required by the
act ; and the other under the 16 and 17 Vict., cap. 96, sec.
9, for having wilfully neglected the said lunatic.
Mr. Poland. instructed by Mr. Law, solicitor to the com-
missioners in lunacy, conducted the prosecution ; and Mr.
Merriman, solicitor, defended. _ _

Mr. Poland, in opening the case, stated that about five
years ago a gentleman (whale name he mentioned) was
found to be in an unsound state of mind. His friends ad-
vertised that they wanted him taken care of in the family
of a medical man. The defendant answered that adver-
tisement, and the result was that the patient was placed
under his tare ; first on a payment of 6t.11. a year, but
afterwards, in consequence of the patient's habits be-
coming more and more filthy, and his requiring an extra
attendant, it was increased to MN. Mr. Poland read some
letters written by the defendant, describing the patient as
being filthy in his habits, voracious in appetite, and ob-
viously suffering from loss of memory caused by softening
of the brain. In consequence of some communication
which some person had made to the commissioners in
lu:eicy, Dr. Blandfonl, an eminent physician, specially ex-
perienced in lunacy, was instructed to investigate the
case. The result of that inquiry had led to these pro-
ceeding..
Dr. George Fielding Blandford then gave evidence.
He visited the defendant's house on the 31st October in
pursuance of an order from the Lord Chancellor. Found
the patient in hed in a room 12 feet square. The bedding
was in a very filthy condition. The room was also filthy.
There was no fireplace in lit. Spoke of the state of the
room to the patient, who said it was in a most disgraceful
state. Considered the patient unable to take care of him.
self or his own affairs, and that he ought to be placed
under restraint. The patient said they behaved badly to
him. and he should be glad to be removed. Did not
think be had tense enough to make his escape even if dis-
satisfied with his treatment. The patient could cer-
tainly have got out of the room had he been
disposed. Spoke to the defendant of the disgusting
state of the room. He said it could not be helped. The
patient was of dirty habits, and his friends did not pay
enough to enable him to keep him cleaner. Did not know
of any steps having been taken to declare him a lunatic.
None had been taken in which he had part. Had beard
that two medical men were called in, but knew nothing of
it himself.
Mr. Poland intimated that he should not be able to finish
the ease that day. He proposed,therefore, not to enter into
any lengthened examination of other witnesses, but should
give formal proof that there was no license or certificate as
required by the act, and ask for a remand.
Mr. Martin, chief clerk to the commissioners in lunacy,
proved that no certificate had been issued in the cue of
the lunatic or imbecile in question, and that the house
was not a registered asylum or hospital.
Mr. James Annersley Dorant, solicitor, and deputy
clerk of the peace for the county of Hertford and liberty
of SL Albans. proved that no license had been granted to
the defendant for his house, The Firs.

Mr. Poland explained that if two or more patients were
received, the house must be licensed, but in the case of one
patient a certificate was sufficient.
The case was then adjourned, the defendant being bound
over in his own recognizance. for his re-appearance at the
next examination.
LAMBETH.

A,o9l,Stlti ilifo7ll, 9, of 10, Emily-street, Westbourne-
grove, and Walter Greenwood, 13, of 27, Grove-plaoe,
Lisson-grove, the sons of respectable parents, were
brought up before Mr. Elliott for final examination, charged
with steeling an opera.glass, microseve, telescope, several
bottles of scent, a silver pencil case, a mini►ture globe in
a mahogany case, a penknife, and other articles, from
the stalls of Mews. Negretti and Zambra, Eugene Rim-
mell, and other exhibitors holding stalls at the Crystal
Palace.

Dlr. Elliott said he had great difficulty in deciding as to
bow he should proceed in this matter. He did nor wish
that such youthful offenders should be sent to prison.
They had already been charged with a grievous offence,
and that was sufficient to disgrace them for ever, and re-
move them from the social position they had formerly
held. He raw no difference between the prisoners before
him and the many booties', ragged, children who unfor-
tunately were the subject of magisterial jurisdiction. He
should take into oomuderation the fact of the prosecution
having been withdrawn; also the doctor's evidence
aa to Greenwood's weakness of mind ; and lastly, the
tender age of the boy Higgs. He then discharged the pri-
soners, with a caution for their future conduct.