The Sun. — 1858-11-23 (London, England)

AFFRAY NEAR HULL.  On Saturday last six men were charged before a bench of magistrates at the East Riding Sessions House, Beverley, with being . concerned in the murder of the gamekeeper Jex, who was killed during an affray with poachers near Hull, the particulars of which have already been given in The Sun. The following are the names of the prisoners: —Joseph Playforth, 20, labourer, Market Weighton ; Michael 114‘Grath, 21, labourer, Market Weighton • Charles Franklin, 30, labourer, Brigg; Thomas Johnson, 27, labourer, Hull ; George Pell, 23, labourer, Swaffham ; and George Smith, 27,  • labourer, Beverley. The prisoners maintained a most resolute demeanour during the whole of the examination, which lasted nearly three hours. Smith, in particular, who was convicted for poaching two years ago, and sentence d. to twelve months' imprisonment, conducted himself with great coolness and, un concern. Mr. Earnshaw , of the firm of Lightfoot, Earnshaw, and Fran] List', Hull, conducted the case for the prosecution. The prisoners were undefended. After similar` evidence to that given at the inquest had been adduced, Superintend ent Gibson, of Beverley, was called. In the course of his examination he said that the two white pe an buttons which he had picked up on the scene of the encounter, and which he supposed belor iged to some of the poachers, he now found beim aged to the clothes which Sex wore on the evening ;he was murdered. He then stated that on leaving Bishop Burton he proceeded to Market Weighton , and apprehended Playfair at his mother's I louse. When charged with the murder, Playfair ;aid, " I can prove that I was not there." Witness Then searched the house, and found a loaded g Tan (produced). Mr: Shepherd, the governor of B everley House of Correction, had " drawn" it in tb,e witness's presence, and it was found to contain shot and slugs corresponding with those which had been extracted from the body of the under= keeper, Geddes. Superintendent Hartley apprehended M'Grath at Market Weighton the same morning. Both the prisoners were immediatel y conveyed to Bishop Burton, and on being taker& into the presence of Geddes, he identified them., saying that, to the best of his knowledge, Play 'fair was the man who shot him. Witness said fart her that about ten o'clock the same night (Wednesi lay) he apprehended Smith at his to gangs in Beverley, and before he had charged him with any. thi-oig Smith said, " I know what you are coming for, 14r. Gibson, but I am out of this, mess, ;for I webs at Hull that night, and I was drunk. I left H nil about eleven o'clock, and returned about four in. the morning, having slept in a straw stack during the night." Mr. Brereton, surgeon, of Beverley, deposed to tlae! nature of the wounds the murdered man had r eceived. He said that Robinson was a little better, having spoken a few words the previous night (Friday), and there were now hopes of his ultimate recovery, though he was by no means out of danger. Geddes was improving rapidly. Superintendent Young said he apprehended Pell .at a beerhouse iuDriffield, on themorning of Wednesday. He had a bundle with him, and on witness opening it he found it contained amongst things, a shirt, which appeared as if it had been lately washed at a roadside pond. On hearing the charge, -he said, " I am out of that mess ; I slept at Garton all night, and came here about half-past eight this morning." There was no other evidence of importance tendered, and after a short consultation the magistrates decided to set Pell at liberty, being of opinion that the evidence was not sufficiently strong against him, and remanded the other prisoners until%atur{lay next. Another poacher was apprehended on Friday night at Brigg, and examinedprivately at Beverley on Saturday, but we believe we are correct in stating that he was one of the gang at Bishop Burton, though, it is said, he has had important intelligence to communicate. It is also pretty well understood that the real murderer, and the most violent members of the gang, are yet at large. Their names and appearance are, however, well known to the Hull detectives, and there can be little doubt that in a day or two they will be in safe hands.