Brighouse & Rastrick Gazette. — 1892-02-20 (Brighouse, West Yorkshire, England)

POLICE HEROISM REWARDED.  What counsel described as one of the worst Mel of the kind ever heard in a court of justice was that in which three men, John Milligan, Samuel Milligan, and George Martin, all described as labourers, stood indicted at the Central Criminal Court, before Mr. Justice Day, for breaking into the counting-house of the Maze Hill railway station of the South-Eastern Railway Company, and therein stealing divers goods, and for maliciously wounding Henry Smeeth and James Tappin, police-constables, with intent to murder them. The case was remarkable by reason of the gallant conduct of the police. On being discovered by Smeeth on the night in question, tin?, prisoners, it was alleged, set upon that officer, kicked and beat him, causing such grave injuries that his life at first was despaired of. He now gave evidence with his head bandaged, and appeared terribly ill. Notwithstanding his wounds, Smeeth, it seemed, blew his whistle and endeavoured to follow in pursuit of his assailants. Meantime, the constable Tappin came upon the scene, and in his turn. was the victim of a brutal assault. Ultimately the accused were apprehended. A medical witness now described the terrible injuries sustained by Smeeth, who, he said, was unconscious for 20 hours and delirious for two days. On behalf of the prisoner Martin, who was defended by Mr. Lawless, witnesses were called to prove an alibi. It transpired that a man named Toomey, who bore a resemblance to Martin, and who was undergoing a term of imprisonment at Canterbury Gaol,had escaped and was in the neighbourhood of the outrage on the night in question.— His lordship commented strongly on this feature of the case, remarking that those responsible for the administration of justice should have taken some further steps in the matter, and Toomey should have been placed in the dock with Martin,and their appearances compared by the witnesses. Surely in this great country the expense of bringing the suspected person up from Canterbury would not have been too great. In the end Martin was acquitted and the two Milligans found guilty. A large number of previous convictions for assaults on constables and for larcenies were recorded against these men,whom the police-officer described as "a pest and terror to every respectable person in the neighbourhood."—His lordship said he was determined to protect the police, who undertook very grave and dangerous duties in the interests of society. 'lle prisoners had no mercy to expect from him, for they had committed an atrocious outrage, having well-nigh killed Constable Smeeth. Therefore he would inflict a signal punishment, and one that would act as a warning to others. John Milligan he ordered to be kept in penal servitude for 15 years, and the other accused for seven years. —On hearing his doom the first-named prisoner cried out for mercy, but was at once removed.— Counsel intignated that the South-Eastern Railway Company, who had instituted the prosecution, contemplated rewarding the two injured constables. The grand jury, it seemed, had made a presentment, complimenting all the officers engaged in the case.—llis Lordship: They deserve something more substantial than compliments. They merit the thanks of the whole community. His lordship directed a reward of £2O to be given Smeeth, £lO to Tappin, and £5 to Sub-inspector Easton.  Sir William Harcourt intends to move for a return of licences for the sale of intoxicating liquors the renewal of which was refused during the last two years, shewing in each case the ground of refusal, especially when such ground was that the licence was not required.  The action of the Government in conferring the distinction of Lord Provost on Dundee's chief magistrate has aroused some jealousy in Ireland. Mr. Johnston is to ask Mr. Balfour whether the Government ilitend to confer on the Mayor of Belfa.9t the title of Lord Mayor.  According to the latest despatches received by the Italian Government from Ma,ssowah, the Negus Menelik has refused to receive the Ambassador* sent by Mangasha Ras of Tigr6, thereby declaring war against him. The Chiefs of Tigre have resolved to retnst the. invasion.