The Sun. — 1845-07-29 (London, England)

CROWN COURT.—(Before Lord Chief Baron PoLLocr.) John Fearn Webster was indicted for feloniousl cutting and wounding William Watkinson, in the parish of Rasford, with intent to murder him or do him some grievous bodily barn. Mr. Macauley prosecuted, and Mr. Flood defended the prisoner.  From the evidence, it appeared that in the month of April last, the prisoner attempted to drive a cart through a garden in the occupation of the prosecutor. The latter laid hold of the horse's head and attempted to push him back, when the prisoner took up a spade and struck him upon the head, by means of which he was for a considerable time rendered insensible, and otherwise seriously injured. The charge with intent to murder was abandoned, and the question now was, was the assault committed with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm. Upon cross-examination, it appeared that there was some dispute as to the right of the road.  The CHIEF BARON thought at any rate the evidence as to the commission of the common assault could not be resisted. Mr. FLOOD concurred with his Lordship, but he thought he might put in evidence by way of mitigation. He would prove that a road had been actually staked out. The CHIEF BARON directed the jury to find a verdict for the common assault ; and sentenced the prisoner to one month's imprisonment and hard labour. _ _  (Before Mr Justice Miturat.) _Richard Searson, Henry Rouse, and Samuel Morrison, stood indicted for having, on the night of the 9th day of March last, burglariously entered the dwelling-house of John Bailey, in the parish of Bingham, and stolen therefrom a quantity of cloth, waistcoat pieces, hats, and other articles, his property. Searson pleaded guilty, and was admitted as a witness against the other prisoners, who were said to be reputably connected in that part of the county from which they came. Mr. Wilmore conducted the prosecution, Mr. Miller defended the prisoner Morrison, and Mr. Macauley appeared on behalf of Rouse.  It appeared that on the night in question the shop of the prosecutor was opened by the door being bored by a bracebit, and property was carried off to the amount of between 401. and 501. According to the statement of Searson, the approver, the prisoner Rouse came to him and said that he and Morrison were going down to Bingham to get into Bailey's shop, and they wanted him to accompany them. At first he refused, but afterwards consented. They went together, and arrived near the shop about twelve o'clock. Morrison went a l►ttle higher up the street, he (Searson) stood on the opposite side of the road, and Rouse bored a hole in the shop door with a bracebit. Morrison had in his possession a pistol, and Rouse had another. The latter prisoner borrowed a knife from him, with which he cut out the wood between the holes bored in the door, and afterwards made off. Searson stated that the property was afterwards divided between them, and mentioned meeting a person named Stokes when oa their return from Bailey's house. His story was materially corroborated by other witnesses called for the prosecution. Mr. MILLER and Mr. MACAULEY severally addressed the jury on behalf of the prisoners. The Learned JUDGE having summed up the evidence, The jury found the prisoners Guilty, and they were all three (Searson included) sentenced to ten years' transportation. The assizes terminated at eight o'clock, the whole business of the county of Nottingham basing occupiel only ten hours !