Trial Of Lord Clermont.
The Times, 1824-10-27T00:00:00

rFrorn the Freeman': JnornaLl 'Clis morning the Court-house was crowded to excess in expecta- tion of the above trial coming on. The following AMagistrates ap. peared on the bench with the Assistant Barrister (Francirl Hamilton, Esq.) :-Right Hon. Earl of Roden Sir Edward Bellew, Bant.. Wallop Brabazon, Turner Macan, John M\'Clintock, Esqrs. Rev' Gervais Tinlay, Rev. - WVright, Thomas Lee Norman, 6eorge Forster, Lennox Bigger, Alex. Rogers, and Mlatt. O'Reilly, Esqrs. Charics William Lord Fiscount Clermont was given in charge for two assaults, one on William Mlarmion (aged about 12 years), the other on John Mlarmion, jun. (aged about 14 years.) Air. O'HAN N opened the case for the prosecution. The sub- atance of this .-Whas already appeared in the public papers. The evidence baving been gone through, MVr. STELE made an inge- nious speech for the noble traverser; after which- The AsSISTANT BAsRrsTrn addressed the Jury: he said they had atlast arrived at the termination of the very painful investigation in which they had been engaged-for painful it muist be to every feeling mind, to see a nobleman of exalted rank, ancient family, andt great possessions, brought to the bar ef justice. He particularly re_ g!rtted that he could not concur in the view of the evidence which r. Steele, with the talent and ingenuity with which he is upon all occasions conspicuous, had endeavoured to submit to their con- sideration. He felt satisfied that there was not a disinterested indi- vidual in Court who would not feel rejoiced at the complete exculpa. tion of the noble traverser; but, under the impression of the evi. dence which he felt, he was bound to tell the Jury, that if they be. lieved the witnesses for the prosecution-.and he must say he could not perceive a point to hang a doubt upon-it was their dutv to find a verdict accordingly. The Jury had heard the evidence, which wa all upon one side; there was no conflicting testimnony for their con- sideration, and therefore, inless they disbelieved the witnesses, they were bound to give a verdict against the traverser. He did not thinik it necessary to recapitulate the evidence, but if any one indi. vidual upon the Jury wished it, he was prepared to state It correctly. The jury having intimated that they did not require it, retired, and in a short time returned with a verdict of rlv In each case. WVhile the jury were considering on their verdict, the magistrates retired from the bench to the judge's chamber: the Assistant Barris. ter inquired from the counsel fbr the Crown if it was the intention of the prosecuters, in the event of a verdict being returned against the traverser, to pursue the matter farther, or let it terminate In Court. Air. O'Hanlon said that he certainly thought it would terminate here, and applied to the agent, who said that he was not prepared to say positively that at would, but hoped most sincerely it mnight, sad vould recommend it to the party. He then went out of Court for a few minutes. On his re- turn, he was a long time in close consultation with Mr. Anthony M8artnion, who, to all appearance, was the person oft whose authorn. ty he seemed to rely; the result was, that he declared he could not let it rest here. Several notes passed between Alr. O'HilWon (who appeared anxious that it should be dropped) and Mr. Steele while the jury were out of court. The jury having returned their verdict The AssIsTANT BARHtSTE5R then proceeded to address Lor Clermont, and said that this was the most painful moment he had experienced since he had had the honour of filling the situation he held in the county; foralthough he was now called upon, in the hearing of the very crowded Court-house which he then beheld, to state the unanimous opinion of the Bench, that the assaults for which the noble lord then stood convicted were of the slightest descriptionbhe might add, of the most frivolous nature-he still must sincerely de. plore that any combiiation of circumstances should have brought a nobleman of his Lordship's station in society into the unfortu- nate situation in which he was then placed. It had been more than insinuated by his Lordship's talented advocate, that this pro- secution did not emanate from the injured feelings of the party, neither was it carried oa at their expense, but that it vwas promoted by a body of intriguing individuals, associated together for the pur- pose of reducing to their own base level, every person in society conspicuous for rank, talent, or eminent virtue. Placed where he w.a, it was not for hina to say whether such was the fact or not - int assuming it to be so, it was truly melancholy that his Lordship should be the victim of any such vile conspiracy. It was now, however, his duty to pronounce the sentence of the Court, which was, that his Lordship should pay a fine, in each case, of 10L to the Crown. On which Lord CIerenant bowed respectfully to the Court, and retired. We understand it is the intention of the friends of the prosecu. tors forthwith to institute a eivil action (for damag-r) against Lord Clertnont. TRIAL OF LORD CLERMONT. DUNDALK OUART3R S (SSTON Or.'. IA1