Glasgow Courier. — 1847-09-23 (Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland)

JEDBURGH CIRCUIT COURT.  The autumn Circuit Court of Justiciary was opened at Jedburgh on the 15th inst. Lord Moucrieff, Judge; John Montgomery Bell, Esq., Advocate-Depute. Elizabeth Hay was accused of childmurder or concealment of pregnancy, in 30 far as at Douse, on the 19th of May last, she brought forth a female child, having concealed her condition during the whole time of her pregnancy ; and the said child having been afterwards found dead in a privy in the house in Douse occupied by Mr. George Peat, writer. Panel pleaded guilty to the charge of concealment of pregnancy, but not guilty to that of child-murder. The Advocate-Depute accepted the plea; and Mr. Milne, panel's counsel, read certificates from Mr. Peat, in whose service she was at the time, and from Mr. Cunningham, writer, Dunse, in whose service she had been previously, both of which gave her an excellent character. He also stated that the prisoner had, among other good things, learnt to write during the time she had been in prison, though unable to do so previously. After a veil solemn exhortation and warning by the Judge, the panel was sentenced to six months' imprisonment in Greenlaw jail. The Court met on the 16th inst.—Robert Chi.elio/m was accused of sheep-stealing, but from the evidence not being conclusive against the prisoner, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty. Alex. Dickson, master wright in Peebles, was accused of culpable neglect of duty in constructing the hustings at the late election. Tile panel pleaded not guilty. Witnesaes were examined as to the erection of the hustings and their stability, who were of opinion that they were sufficiently strong to support the weight of all the people that could stand upon them. They were inspected by Mr. Turnbull, a master wright and builder in Peebles, who made a report on them to the Sheriff, and considered them substantially fitted up. Several gentlemen who had erected hustings at Edinburgh and Glasgow, thought that the distance between the bearers was too great, and that the timber used should have been all foreign. Some witnesses were examined in exculpation, who gave it as their opinion that the joisting was sufficient to bear the weight upon it. The Advocate-Depute stated to the jury that they would concur with him that this was a case of such a nature, that it was his duty, as public prosecutor, to have it publicly investigated; but after hearing. the whole of the evidence, and looking at all the circumstances oh the case, he did not feel that lie should be justified in asking there for a verdict. Lord Moncrieff expressed his concurrence in the propriety of having a case of this nature—so greatly affecting the safety of the lieges—properly Investigated; and then directed the jury to return a verdict of not guilty, which they accordingly did. The Court then adjourned till Friday morning. The Court again met on the 17th inst. Robert Robertson, William Watson, John Rule, Thomas Hislop, and Williwn Gilchrist, were convicted of assaulting several persons near the village of Paxton, and sentenced to six months' imprisonment. Adam Riddle pleaded guilty of stealing a horse, and was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. Elliot Millar was found guilty of fraud and wilful imposition,and sentenced to seven years' transportation. This case terminated the business before the Court.