Star.
London, England, 1827-09-15 00:00:00

MIDDLESEX SESSIONS, Szer. 14..

Nathaniel Homer, a respectable-looking youth, only
fifteen years of age, was indicted for attempting to vio-
late the person of Eliza Rebecca Harris, on the 3d of
August, in the parish of Tottenham; and Chas. Barrett
and Robert Ward.were indicted as accessaries to the'
crime.—Hrgger was the only prisoner who appeared,
the others having been admitted to bail.
Mr. PATIVOSILOAST, on the part of the defence; 'applied to have
Nagger's trial postponed until the adjoutinnent day.'whea they
might all be tried together; but this was not acceded to and the
trial proceeded.
Mr. Anotenes. in detailing the canto the Jury, observed. that it
was one of the most extraordinary cases of juvenile depravity that
ever occupied the attention of a Court of Justice. The young Lady,
on whose behalf he appeared, was only 15 years of age; she was the
daughter of a very respectable Gentlenun, and had been educated
with the utmost delicacy and propriety. The Learned Counsel then
laid the facts of the case before the Jury, as they afterwards ap-
peared in evidence.
Eliaa Rebecca Harris was then sworn, and examined by Mr.,
Anotenea—She was fashionably dressed, and conducted her-
self with becoming decorum, and shed tears most copiously
during her examination. Her statement was as follows:--I am:
fifteen years of age, and up to the present time I have been
educated at a boarding school; on the 5d of August, I was on a
visit with my mamma to a Lady et Totenbam ; and on the after-
noon of that day, I went with my cousin Sophia, to take a walk
in the corn fields, at a short distance from the house; as we en-
tered the fields, we saw three boys sitting on a dung heap, but
they did not say any thing to us thee, neither did we address
them ; we bad not, however, waked tar in the fields when the
boys ran after us, and the bibgt-it of the three, who is the pri-11
senor at the bar, came behind me, seized me by the neck, and
threw me on the grass; I screamed as loud as I could, and my
cousin ran away fur assistance. (,The witness here burst into)
tears, and it was with considerable reluctance that she detailed
the particulars of the outrage, which proceeded to the last ex-1
tremity.) The struggle continued for some time, and at let-gth
two men, whom my cousin met, came up, and the prisoner and his,'
companions tau away ; the two other buys remained near us the
whole of the time, and encouraged the prisoner to go on, and de-
sired me not to be frightened; I saw the boys again on the following
Saturday, when I instantly recognised the prisoner as being the boy
who had ill used me.
Cross examined by Mr. •Pneievaoarr—l did not laugh during
the time, nor bad any familiarities Passed isetereeu the prisoner sod
me. before be W treated me; I told him be would strangle me,
and I could not posh him away, fur I *as unable to. move ; I went
home directly, and told my governess what 'bad happened; there
are no houses near the spot ; I never told the Magistrate I but a
pleasant walk after the prisoner left use.,
Sophia Williams, cousin to the prosecutrix, was then sworn. Shit
appeared about 12 years of age,and confirmed Miss Harris's evidence:,
John Perry stated, that on the day in question, be was' met by
Sophia Williams, who told him and his apprentice that three
boys were illtreating her cousin; they made every possible baste,
and met Mho Harris in the cora fields; her clothes were co-
wered with snad:and she was cilia,. very much; they made
every inquiry after the boys, but could gain no Wines of them.
" Miss Mary Anne P..trhis examined —4 am Goveroess to Miss
Harris, and on tie day io question was residing with her at Tot-
.senharn. &fere she came into the room a Mr. 'ltantias *Meted,
and informed.on that Miss Harris had been ill used; Mrs: Harris
and several gentlemen were also present. and as mon as they were
gone she related. the particulars of the transaction to auej 'I after-
wards examined her person, and.from the bruises whi -Altitiserved
I can swear that her account if correct. A surgeon Komi!, exa-
mined her.
Mr. PII9IIII.IIGAST addressed a few words to on the
prisoner's behalf, but called no witnesses ; and
The ester amen, in recapitulating the evidence, uld that a plainer
case of the kind had never some to kis knowledge; and it was i
fortunate circumstance for the prisoner that he was not indicted for
the capital offence.
The Jury, without a moment's bestitation, pronounced the pri-
soner Gentry; and he was ordered to be broaelat up for judgment
on the Adjournment-day, when his compapiese would be tried.
hlr. PRZIIOIII2AST said, he would bring forward his witneasesp
to character when he received sentence.