Glasgow Courier. — 1859-10-11 (Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland)

CHARGE OF MURDER IN TRONGATE.  Michael Cassidy and Robert Henderson were then placed at the bar, charged with the crime of murder, in having on the ilst July, 1859, in Trongate, attacked and assaulted the now deceased John M'Pherson, commercial teacher in Glasgow, struck him with their fists, tripped and threw him backward violently to the ground, and jumped on him with their feet or knees, in consequence of which injuries the said John M'Pherson immediately, or soon after, died, and was murdered by them. The prisoners, who were defended by Mr W. M. Thomson and Mr Traynor, pled not guilty. Peter Bennet—l knew the deceased Mr M'Pherson, teacher. 1 went with him to Bothwell on Saturday, 30th July, about five o'clock afternoon. We had a gill of whisky together, and also some tea, and after visiting Uddingston returned to Glasgow about ten o'clock. It was very wet when we reached Glasgow, and we went to a tavern in King Street (Gascoyue's), where we had some whisky toddy. We left there about 12 o'clock, and were then sober. We had three glasses of whisky in Gaiscoyne's. I left Mr M'Pherson at the head of King Street till I would look for a cab, but I did not find one. On returning, after an absence of about ten minutes, 1 saw a crowd of persons in Trongate, near the Tontine Close, and discovered M'Pherson lying on the pavement. His feet were towards the houses on the north side. He was moaning heavily, and perfectly insensible. The police were there, or came immediately after, arid M'Pherson was conveyed to the Police Office. I accompanied him, and remained in the office till Dr fir Gill told me he was gone. This was about one o'clock on Sunday morning. M'Pherson wore a light grey surtout on that Saturday, and I am under the impression that he had on shepherd tartan trousers. Mary Ann O'Neil or Keenan—l reside in Bush Close, Trongate. I have known the prisoners by sight for some time. Henderson has a white speck on his left eye. On Sunday morning, 31st July, about a quarter past one, I went to the Leigh Kirk Close with an earthenware jug for milk. The prisoners were standing than at the Bush Close. On coming back I saw some persons moving up and down the street, and observed the prisoners following a gentleman (Mr M'Pherson). Cassidy came behind him and took the feet from him, and the gentleman fell. I saw Henderson leap on him, but 1 could not tell on what part of the body. He jumped upon him with his feet. I think be was rather trying to jump over him. Before the gentleman fell to the ground I heard some one cry out, Bustle him;" but do not know whether it was either of the prisoners who cried that. Cassidy struck the gentleman a blow at the same time as he tripped him with his feet, but I do not know what part of his body he struck. M'Pherson fell backwards, nearly on the side. You would have heard the fall very near to the Cross. I was about six or eight yards from him when he fell. The prisoners ran away. Henderson, I think, ran away first. He ran along the Trongate in the direction of Candleriggs. I was so frightened at the man falling that I let the jug fall, and it 'broke. MacPherson was removed to the Police Office, which I visited about five in the morning, and saw his body. I also saw his body on the Monday, when Drs M'Lood and M'Oill were there. Cussisly had on a white jacket when I him at the Bush Cloae, but 1 am not Imre whether passed him it on when I Cedl/0 back. Henderson wore a blue jacket and a glengarry bonnet. Crow-a:AM-in' a by Mr TROMeoN—When I saw him first, M'Pherson was walking in the direction of the Cross. Cusidy was then at his back. I could not say whether Casiddy ran across the 'street or up the dose. After the occurrence I wasi waited on by Mews Cowan and lll`Phee, agents for the primoners, who asked me some questions. I might have said to them that Cassidy,