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Northern Star (1837-1852), 20th March 1841, Edition 3 of 5, Page 6, Untitled Article

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      TOBK 8 BZSE SPRING ASSIZES . CROWN COTJBT , Saturday , March IS . ( Before Mr . Baron Roffe . J BA . PB AT HOLMFLRTH . Wm . KeiticorOiy , 25 , was charged with having , ob the 30 th of August last , committed a rape on Mary Aim Mate . Mr . BaT 5 ES and Mr . Pashlbt were Tor the prosecution ; the prisoner to undefended . The prosecatrix is fifteen year * of age , and her pa . , rents reside at Holmfirth , in the parish < jf KbkburV ^ n . The prisoner is a married man , and was living at . -no great distance from Mate * hooae . Oa tfe SOxfe of August the girl tu at priaenert home , -wh ) j » t tha prisoner , hla wife , and three children vere th , jre . In the evening she again Trent to the house ' . tiilst . the prisoner was alone ^ and then the offence -was comxottted . _* The Jury foond tbe prisoner OtiKy . -if To be transported beyond tbe seas for the term of ti « ¦ ns . tnTsl life .

      XAPB BEAR BRADFORD . Jok * Cmlpox , 20 , was charged -with having , on the 17 th December last , at Manningham , near Bradford , ommiUod a rape on Eiiubeifa Bett—Hot &nUtT .

      V 1 SDEKEASOB . JwspA Harper was charged with a misdemeanor , in attempting , on the 25 : h of Feb ., at Aake , near Richmond , to commit an unnatural crime . —Not Guilty . Mary Holioa , who had pleaded guilty to concealing the birth of her illegitimate child at Knaresbro " , was then brought up . The Judge informed her that ahe might , if she liked , Withdraw her plea , as , in his opinion , 'what she bad tione was no offence at all . Tl » prisoner then pleaded Not Gnllry , and the Jury , snder the direction of oil Lordship , acquitted the prisoner . John Alderstm was charged with assaulting Harriet Cafe , in York . Castle , with intent to commit a rape . The Jory acquitted the prisoner .

      MISDE 1 TBA > OB . Earner Brook was charged with & misdemeanor in bating assaulted Charlotte Allen , an idiot Mr . Baikes and Mr . Ovebe . vd were for the prosecution . Mr . Wilkiss defended the prisoner . The prosecutrix is eleven years of age . There were aeveral circumstances tending to fix the guilt upon the prisoner . The girl was placed in the witnessbox , attended by tha matron and nurse of the Wakefield lunatic asylum , bnt was usable to give any evidence . Mr . Wri . kiss addressed the Jury in an eloquent aad powerful iB&nner ^ ELfter which The Learned Judge summed up , and the Jury retired . After a consultation of three quarters of an hour they found the prisoner Guilty . To be imprisoned two years .

      The Grand Jury came into Court with several bills , when their duties being finished , his Lordship discharged them with the thanks of the country for their attendance .

      ASSAULT . Benjamin Wright was charged with an assault on Sarah Diwson , with intent to commit a rape . Mr . Baizes was for the prosecution , and Mr . Bliss far the defence . The prosecutrix is about eighteen years of age , who Iitw with her father at Yeadon , about eight miles from Leeds . The prisoner is a stonemason , and a married man , and raided at Horsfoith . On Saturday , the 15 th of Augus t , between seven and eight o ' clock in the morning , the proseeotrix left her father ' s house to go to Carlton , a tillage about a mile off , for some milk . After ahe had been at Cirlfcon , »¦ & -was returning through Stack FH 1 < 1 , along & 'bridle read , basing a hedge on one side and bushes on the other , she sax the prisoner couched upon the ground . When she had got a short distance past him , he followed her , and , with boom violence , committed the crime imputed to him . Witnesses were called to proTe an alibi . Guilty- —To be imprisoned one year .

      MAGISTRATESROOM . —Satcrdat March 13 . ( Before JL Armstrong , Esq ., Q . C . ) George Johnson , 57 , pleaded guilty to having , on tbe 16 th of Xovember , stolen three heifers , belonging to George Crawshaw . To be imprisoned and kept to hard labour , in Wakefield Honse of Correction , for one year . John Hook , 23 , was charged with haTing . on the 31 st f August last , stolen two heifers , tbe property of Claries Honghlon . Si * Gregokt I / etr-i ;? -was for the prisoner . The prisoner was employed to driTe the heifers from Botherham Fair to the Red House , near Xkrattster . On his way thither he stopped at the New Inn , Birmbrough , and there he offered the heifers for sale to Mr . Hopkinsoa , for £ 8 , which he agreed to give . But suspicion being excited , be was taken into custody ; and when before Sir F . Wood , the magistrate , made a confession . Guilty . To be imprisoned aad kept to hard labour , in Wakefleld House of Correc"ti&n . for one year .

      Joan FarnhiU t 38 , was charged with haTing , on the 3 rd of October , at Barnoldswick , bn ?? larioa «} y broken and entered tbe warehouse rf James Green , -and stolen therefrom nine co ' . ton warps , one cotton piece , and eleven mouselin-de-laine pieces , his property . Mr . Matthews stated the case for the prosecution . The prisoner was indicted for haTing broken into and entered the warehouse of the prosecutor , who is a manufacturer at Park Close , Barnoldswiek , on tbe 23 rd of October . Iv . consequence of information received by the prosecutor , he vent to Ms Trarehooae on the morning of the 24 th , and found the window had been broken op « a , and aa entrants had been effected . On further examination , it was found that the goods mentioned in the indictment had been stolen . Some suspicion arose , in consequence of which Mr . J' -sepb Barrett , constable of Colne , went , on the 30 th of October , to the house of the prisoner ; and there , beneath the flags in the floor , they found the identical pieces which were missing .

      Guilty . To be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for one year .

      HIGH-WAT BOBBEBT . Joseph Pilling and Joseph Sharpe were charged with ! haTing , on the ? th March , feloniously assaulted James j Wood , on the road from Bradford to Halifax , and robbed him of " s . 6 d . For the defence , a woman named Mary Larkin was ealled , who swore that Pilling was at her boas © after ttie robbery was committed . After consulting together about half an . hour , the Jury returned a verdict of 2 f ot Guilty . STABBI 5 G AT eHAPEL ALLEBT 0 >\ Joseph Motley , 30 , pleaded guilty to stabbing and j catting Joshua >" aflor , at Chapel Allerton , in the j Borough of Leeds . He was sentenced to be imprisoned and kept to hard labour six calendar months .

      HOB . SE STEALING . Christopher Hall , 27 , was charged with having , on the 15 th February , stolen a black mare , tbe property of Mr . Joseph Groves , of Aberford . Guilty . —To be kept to hard labour one year .

      HOrSE BBEAXISG . William Bobson , 23 , was charged with ha-ring , on the 27 th September , stolen £ S 5 in Bank of England notes , and seven sovereigns , from the dwelling-bouse of fte late George Botham , of Bmswell , in the parish of Dnffield . , Guilty—To be imprisoned and kejt to hard labour for -two years . SORSS STEALING . John Brozcn , ss , was charged with having , on the 16 th December , stolen a dark brown mare , the property of John Trippit , of Taniersley . Goiity—Sentence deferred . ST . EA 1 IAG CATTLE . John Pybtts was charged with having stolen an heifer , the property of William Wardle , of Middlesbcroegh , in the X orth Siding . GoDty— To be imprisoned and kept to hard labour ' iortix calendar months . ' i

      CROWN COURT , Moxday , Mabch 15 . j r Before Baron Roife . J j STABBING AT BOTHEEHAM . Alexander Macdonald , 18 , was charged with having , f on the 1 st of February , at Botherham , feloniously ' « tabbed , cut , and wounded James Biley , with intent to ' < k > him some grievous bodily harm . Mr . WCOSTLEY and Mr . Pashlet were for the proaecntion . ; tbe prisoner was undefended . It appeared from tae evidence that the prosecutor is 4 labourer , . and lodged with the prisoner , at tbe house ¦ of a pewon named Berjjamin Greaves . On the night of the 1 st of February , he went to bed between eight And sine o ' olock , in the same room as tbe prosecutor -alept , . and the latter was in bed at tbe time . Prose-¦ eabat kexrd a disturbance down stairs , on whick the

      prisoner jumped - « nt of bed , and said " you b r , Illsoea settle yos . " Prosecutor Baid to him , " stop , Alexander , mj Ia 4 , its easy to get into trouble , but Itard to # et out of it" Prisoner bounced out , saying ¦ " d x my eyes , tat I'll be in quod before morning . " He nrmmaged for a « tkfc , and the proseeutor shouted out « come Mrs . here ' s this blackguard getting a stick , nay be to kill somebody with . " He also removed the fire-irona behind a box . Shortly afterwards , the prisoner struck him in the ixce , he ^ returned the blow , sad aevenl blows passed between them . After the i 5 ght , the prosecutor -weat towards ice bed , and tn Stooping down , the prisoner rosheof upon him , and stabbed him in tbe left side . The wound was five lashes in tength , and apart of his bowels pretended . He was in imminent danger for tweaty-. iur hours , and » m in great danger for a week .

      When called upon for bit defence , the prisoner sild he was in liquor at the time , and be hoped they would have mercy upon him , u he had an aged mother to keep . The Jury found him Guilty , and he was soaitenced to bt transported for fifteen yean . KAJfSLATJGHTEB . AT SHEFFIELD . Jama Dawtm , 29 , was charged with the man-i ilaaghter of Felix ( Jhalaby , at Sheffield ; and John ' ' Morten , 25 , and Wvu Bark , 26 , were charged w . 'th I aiding and abetting tn the commission of the o . -i feoee . - '

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      Mr . Wobtl ^ ina Mr . Oterekd were for the prosecution ; th < - j priBoneni wan defended by Mr . Hbato * . The decease in , u Irishman , and worked with the prisoner as a tin-plate worker in the Nag's Head Yard , Sheffield . On the 26 th August last , the -workmen , amongst , -whom were the prisoner and deceased , went into f je 2 fags Head public-home , where ft quarrel uo * . A fight was proposed , and Daw # on a # d tbe dec jaaed went into a field at Hyde Park for that pur-PT / se . Morton and Back acted aa seconds , and thirty bounds were fought One of tbe blows under the left ear knocked the deceased down , and he was then found so severely injured , that it was deemed necessary to remove him tothe infirmary . His death took place about twelve o'clock the same night , and arose from & rapture of the blood vessels in the brain , e&Baed by extreme violence .

      Mr . H&aton argued that it could not be considered manslaughter , inasmuch as the parties voluntarily agreed to flght The Learned JUDGE said if two men fought in eold blood , and one killed the other , the offence was not merely manslaughter , bst murder ; but in this ease he believed the fight aroseina state of heat and excitement . The Jury found the prisoner guilty , and the Judge said , as they had been already in prison several months , he thought the punishment they had already received tmfficient . The sentence of the Court , therefore , was , that they should pay a fine to the Queen of Is ., and then be -discharged .

      MANSLAUGHTER XEAB HULL . Alexander Wright , 55 , and John Wright , 21 , were indicted for killing and slaying Win . Crowdie , at the parish of Mapleton , in the East Biding . Mr . Ahchbold and Mr . Raines conducted the prosecution ; tbe prisoners were undefended , The prisoners are travelling sweeps . In December last , they ha 4 two boys with them , one named Fearnley , and the other the deceased , who was eleven years of age . His parents were not known , and the prisoners met with him and engaged him at Hull Bridge . The case against the prisoners was almost entirely supported by the evidence of the boy Feamley , who stated that , on several days , the younger prisoner beat the unfortunate deceased with a stick over the head and

      different parts » f the body . On tbe day of his death he was sent up a chimney at Homses Barton , and there he became fast . On being taken down he soon afterwards expired . A surgeon , Mr . Kirk , of Hedon , was sent for , and on coining he found the deceased in a very emaciated condition . There were no appearances of external violence , with the exception of some small scan on the shoulder , and other parts of bis body . On examining the lung * they were found in a highly inflamed state , and It was the opinion of the surgeon that the bey had died from inflammation . TheTe was adhesion in the right lung , which indicated a former attack of inflimmstion . Exposure te the cold might have produced the inflammation he witnessed , and there were no marks of blows to account for it

      The Learned Judge , in summing up , intimated that there was no case against Alexander Wright , and that with respect to John there was not sufficient evidence to prove that the blows and ill-treatment were the immediate cause of death . The Jury might , however , find him guilty of an assault The Jury accordingly acquitted Alexander Wright , and found John Wright Guilty . His Lordship then observed on the prisoner ' s brutal and heartless condnct to tbe poor unoffrnding boy , and sentenced him to twelve months' impr isonment

      MANSLAUGHTER AT SHEFFIELD . George Reanty , 35 , was indicted for the manslaughter of George Belk , at Sheffield . Mr . WOETLEV and Mr . Otesesd -were for the prosecution ; Sir G . LEWIS defended the prisoner . The prisoner Tesided in Thomas-street , and # n tbe morning of Sunday , the 24 th of January last , about ten o ' clock , a great noise was heard by the neighbours to procted from tbe prisoner ' s house . No notice was then taken of it , but some time afterwards a policeman , in passing the prisoner ' s door , found the deceased laid in the street quite dead . On inquiry , it was ascertained that about one o ' clock that morning the prisoner hod gone home in liquor . On going into the bouse , be heard a

      noise , one of the voices being that of his wife and that of a man—the former saying , " Give over—my husband will be coming . " The prisoner burst into the room , which was quite dark , seized tbe man , whom he did not then know , by the throat , and a desperate struggle ensued , in which Belk died . The prisoner afterwards gave himself into custody , and said he -was very sorry , for be only intended to give the man a good thrashing . On the surgeon being colled , he said be -was of opinion that BelkS death had been caused by external violence , but be would not say that it might not have been caused by deceased ' s own efforts to rescue himself from the prisoner in the scuffle -, he also stated the deceased laboured under a disease of the heart , previous to this time .

      Sir G . Lewis , in addressing the Jury , urged that the Jury , on this evidence , could not ratisfactorily come to tbe conclusion that his death had been caused by the prisoner ; and under the circumstances , he hoped they would giTe a merciful consideration to the case . The Learned Jvdge said there was certainly a doubt on the surgeon ' s evidence , and , without summing up , left the case in the hands of the Jury , who almost immediately returned a verdict of >* ot Guilty .

      KASSLAUGHTEB . AT HEBDES BS 1 DCE . Patrick Boyle , 20 , was charged with the manslaughter of John Conolly . sir . baizes and Mr . Wilki > 's were for the prosecution ; the prisoner was defended by Sir G . Lswi . v . The parties were Irishmen , and were employed , with a number of others , on the Leeds and Manchester Railway , at Hebden Bridge . On Sunday , the 19 th Toly , a party of them ( amongst whom were the pr isoner and ConolJy ) were at the Ball public-house , where they drank a good deal of ale . A quarrel took place , and the deceased having become obnoxious to the others , he was knocked do \ rn , and there was a general cry of " Kill him , kill him ! " The prisoner got upon a table , and fell upon Conolly with his knees . He then got up and " poised" him two or three timeB over the chest , and once in the side . " Conolly ¦ walked home , a distance of one hundred yards , and expired in five minutes .

      In defence , the prisoner called two of his companions , who swore that he was not the man -who attacked Conolly , and that Conolly was not attacked at all - whilst they were in the honse . The Jury found the prisoner Guilty . The Learned Judge said his offence was aggrayated by the defence be had set up , and sentenced him to Twelve months' imprisonment . The Court rose at half-past seven . MAGISTRATES' ROOM , Mospat , March 15 . ( Before R . Armstrong , Esq ,, Q . HOUSEBREAKING . " Matthew Terry and Joseph FieJdhotigh were charged with having , on the Cth of March , broken and entered the dwelling-house of Richard Oddy , at Tong , in the parish of BirstalL Mr . Ashmoee was for the prosecution : the prisoners were defended by Sir G . Lewi 5 .

      The case depended entirely upon circumstantial evidence . It appeared , from the evidence , that the prosecutor , who -is a clothier at Tong , fastened up his house on Saturday night about twelve o ' clock , about ttnree o ' clock in the morning he « u awoke by a noise , and on getting up he saw a man . The man ran away , and tbe prosecutor pursued him for a distance of fifty yards . During the chase the man dropped his bat He was not able to capture him ; but on his return he picked up the hat He called up his brother , and they found the window bad been broken open , but nothing was missing . On going out they saw Fieldhough against a hay-itack in an adjoining field . They were also both seen together at a public-house not far from the premises , about three o ' clock . The hat picked up was dearly identified as belonging to Terry . The Jury found Terry Guilty , and Fieldhough Not Guilty .

      Terry wag sentenced to six months' imprisonment and hard labour .

      EHBEZZLEMEST . Richard Speight was charged with having , at Selby , feloniously embezzled £ 1 5 s . 9 d ., in two distinct tanu , which » h&d been Tcceired by Mm as clerk to Mr . Fotilergill , attorney , on account ol the Bufestone Asa and Skyrsck Court of Request * . It was not clearly proved that the defendant intended to convert the money to his own use , and the Jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty . STEALING WOOL . George Firth , 25 , Joseph Roebuck , 27 , and Henry Hargreaves , 29 , were charged with having feleniously stolen 120 pounds of lamb ' i wool , from the dwellinghouse of Samuel Brook , of Llndley , near Hudderafleld Mr . Pashlet conducted the prosecution ; the prisoner was defended by Mr . WiLaixs . The prosecutor is a woollen cloth manufacturer at Lindley ; tbe prisoners all reside at Dal ton , which is about four or five miles from the former place . On Saturday , the

      2 nd of January , the work-room belonging to tke proseenter was safely locked up , and on the following d » y it was also observed that every LMng was right . On tbe Monday morning , the prosecutor found the door open , and that there had been a bag of lamb ' s wool and an empty box taken away . The evience adduced to connect the prisoners with the robbery , was that Firth and other two men were drinking on the Sunday night at the Odd Fellows' beer-house , which Is about 300 yards from the prosecutor ' s ; on the same night another house near was attempted toobe broken open , and a person named Tickerman observed three men , who answered to the description of the prisoners , run In the direction towards Brook ' s house . A carrier named Lockwood also observed them carrying wool , and after they had passed him they went to the house of Benjamin Hargreaves , and insisted on leaving the wool there . Hargreaves gave information against them , and they were taken into custody .

      The Jury found the prisoners Guilty , Sentence was deferred . The court rose at five o ' clock .

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      were kept in * tame state . About fifty shots were fired ia the immediate vicinity of the house , and the family were much alarmed . The gamekeeper , with a party of watchers , mustered , and immediately hastened to the spot . They found the poachers in a meadow , and . on seeing them , they formed themselves into a line , and cooked their guns , saying" Blood for blood ; " ^ We 'll have a win g ; " a Were free rangers ; " and using other expressions . The watchers , however , remained stationary ; the poachers shook the pheasants in their faces , and then went away . The prisoner was identified as being amongst the party . Guilty—To be kept to hard labour one year .

      ANOTHEB POACHING AFFRAY NEAR BEVERLBT . Wm . Bean ( 24 ) was charged with having , on the ni ght of the 2 nd of December , alon g wi t h sev e n o t hers , being armed with gnus , at Bish o p Burt o n , in the East Riding , unlawfully entered certain enclosed land s , in the occupation of Mr . Thomas Almack , for the purpose of destroying game . Mr . Baikes and the Hon . J . S . Wortley conducted the prosecution ; Mr . Cottinghah was for the defence . , The facts were theae : —On the 3 rd of December , the preserves of Richard Watt , Esq ., -of Bishop Burton , near Beverley , were entered by a party of poachers at two in the morning , and they were heard to fire guns in a plantation called the Little Gallops . Information was given to Mr . Watts ' s

      game-keeper , and , with some assistants , he went in pursuit of them . At about four o ' clo c k , hearing footsteps ob the road between the Little Gallops and Great Gallops p lantations , he secreted himself and his force . Shortly afterward , seven or eight men passed him , and went into a turnip field leading to the Little Gallops . He and his assistants rushed out and pursued them , on which the p risoner , who wa s one o f t he p a r t y , p laced a un t o his shoulde r , and at about twenty paces distance , fired at the keeper . Fortunately he did not hit him , as at tha t moment the keeper stumbled over a turnip and fell . The keeper got up , / placed a double barrelled gun to hi s s hould e r , levelled it low , and fired the whole le The

      charge of the gun into the prisoner's g . prisoner c a lled ou t t o his c o mrades f o r as s istance , and as they appeared determined the watchers ran away . The same morning the prisoner was found near the field , severely wounded in the leg . He was takeu to Beverley , and there searched , when a complete shooting apparatus was found on his person . Mr . CoTTiKOHAH , in def e nc e , argued that in order to convict the prisoner , it must be proved that he was eeen in Gallop's Close , the plaoe mentioned iu the indictment , about which there was not a tittle of proof . Mr . Armstrong held the objection valid , and under his direction the prisoner was Acquitted . The verdict was received with applause by some poachers who were in Court .

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      NISI PRIUS . —Saturdat , Makcii 13 . WILSON AND OTHERS V . APPLEYARD AND ANO . Messrs . C&E 8 SW ell and Cleasby appeared for the plaintiffs ; Messrs . Alexander and Hoggins for the defendants . The action was brought to recover £ 76 8 s . for fancy woollen cloths . Tbe plaintiffs are the assignees of Messrs . Dobson , ( now bankrupts , ; who carried on business at Halifax ; tbe defendants are merchants at HudderBfleld . Tbe goods were obtained by Mr . Joshua Appleyard , and the question in the case was whether they were purchased on his credit or were bought by the firm of Appleyard and Son , vrho had an account against Messrs . Dobson . The Jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff—Damages £ 7 < s 8 s .

      TEMPLE V . CLEOG . An undefended action fr « m the neighbourhood of Dewsbury . Verdict for the plaintiff—damages £ 90 6 s . 90 .

      THORNT « H V . PARROXT AND OTHERS . Mr . Dukdas and Mr . Blanshard appeared for the plaintiff ; the action was net defended . It was brought to recover damages for an assault Mr . Dundas stated tbe case . The plaintiff , he said , resides at Bradford and is a grocer ; the defendants were Mr . Parrott . an engraver at Bradford , and Messrs . Sharp and Cowling , who reside at Bowling . It appeared that on the night of the 14 th July , the parties were returning from Wibsey , where they had been witnessing s pigeon match . The plaintiff was on horseback , and when he came up to the defendants , neai Wibsey toll-bar , they would not allow him to pass

      along tbe road . At length Sharp , one of the party , in a mischievous joke , fired a gun over his head . He returned to the toll-bar , where he left his horse , and came back with the intention , no doubt , of taking the man who fireti the gun . He came up to Sharp ; they both struggled , and fell to the ground ; and whilst on the ground Thornton was kicked by Cowling . Some porsuns were soon collected , and on Sharp and Thornton getting up , the latter said to the defendants— " 1 know you , and I'll have you up for this , " on which Parrott , who then had the gun in his hand , gave him a violent blow across tbe ribs with the muzzle end of the gun , from the effects of which he was insensible .

      Witnesses having proved the assault , the Jury returned a verdict for tbe plaintiff—damages £ 20 .

      SINGULAR CASE OF BREACH OP PROMISE OF MARRIAGE . WELLS V , BERRV . Mr . Creswell and Mr . Baikes appeared for tbe plaintiff ; Mr , Alexander and Mr . Wilkins for the defendant . Mr . Bajnes opened tbe pleadings . The declaration stated that the defendant promised to marry the plain-US ' , and afterwards broke his promise The defendant pleaded first that he did not promise , and secondly , that at the time of making the promise , he did bo on the faith and supposition that the plaintiff was a chaste and modest woman ; but that afterwards he discovered she had had a child , and also that she had had intercourse with divers and many persons , whereupon he refused to perform his promise . The plaintiff , in her replication , denied these statements , and stated that he broke hia promise without the cause in the pleas alleged .

      Mr . CHESWELL stated the case to the jury . The plaintiff in the action , Hannah Wells , sought to recover compensation in damages for the breach of a promise of marriage which she alleged the defendant had made to her ; and if , under ordinary circumstances , it was a great offenco against society , and against the female sex , if a person mrde a promise of marriage and then broke it , the defendant in this instance very much aggravated the offence by tbe pleas he had put on the record ; and when he detailed the circumstances to them , he thought they would be of opinion that his conduct from first to last had been as cold-hearted and cruel as that of any person ' s could be . Hannah Wells , the plaintiff , was a young woman turned thirty years of age , who at present resides with her father , who ia a cloth manufacturer at Sheepridge , a mile from Huddersfleld . A few years age her father carried on business extensively , but ten or fifteen years ago his

      business was not successful , and having several children , it became necessary that Hannah might be instructed in some art by which she might obtain a living for herself , she was therefore sent to Brighouse , a place in the neighbourhood , to learn the business of a dressmaker , and there was seduced by a young roan , who deserted her , and she became the mother of an illegitimate child . She felt deeply the disgrace she had brought on herself and her family ; she returned to her father , and led an irreproachable life , regaining the good opinion of all who had known her . Her child lived with her at her father ' s house , and it was perfectly well known that she had the child . She remained at her father's till two years ago , -whentbe defendant , afarmerandflialtster . andainanofconsiderableindependence , called upon Mr . Wells to enquire whether his daughter Hannah would go and live with him as housekeeper . The defendant is a widower with four children—a man

      between 40 and 50 years ef age . He represented that having these children he wanted a person of respectabi lity , and Mr . Wells stated that he was afraid his daughter would not suit him , as she had not been in a situation before . He said h « had enquired about her , and thought she would suit . It was difficult to ascertain the motives of pergona , but from what followed it was not very uncharitable to impute to Mr . Berry that , at the time of the application to the father for his daughter to live with him as housekeeper , having beard some history of her former misfortune , he intended by some false promise or other to obtain possession of her person . He agreed about wages , and she went into his service . He treated her with the greatest possible respect and kindness—he treated her as hid equal ; she was found

      taking her meals with him in the parlour ; he placed everything under her controul , and expressed the greatest satisfaction at her demeanour in his house . She had a slater , twenty-seven years of age , who went over to see her . Mr . Berry begged her to come often , said he was glad to see her ; and when Hannah had been there a month or two , he said to her ene day— "Well , can you spare Hannah from home ? " She replied , " Yes , I dare say we can . " He said , " Well , then , she has chosen this for her borne ; I have promised to marry her . " There was no disguise as to the child , and they would find that frequently Mr . Berry ' s own children went to play with him at bis grandfather ' s . On another occasion , when Rebecca Wells was over , be said he should have married her sister the first week she was

      there , but the neighbourhood would have talked about it : he added that he wished he bad seen her sooner , for he was disposed for marrying her as soon as he saw her . He went so far as to talk about the weddingdresf , and told them to mind and be all smart , adding , in joke , that he did not think he should be satisfied with leu than white satin . Of course , no letters could be produced a * having passed between them , for they were living together , and the same reason was sufficient to explain the absence of a great deal of evidence usually gives . In addition to the sister ' s testimony , he would call before them the servant , who thinking they were extremely familial listened at ; the door , and there she heard this unfortunate young woman communicate to Berry that She W 0 S afraid She WBain the family way . Ho said , «• Well don't be uneasy

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      about it ; you know I have always told you I would marry yon . " She said she hoped he would . Nothing could be more natural than that a country girl fancying there was too great familiarity between the housekeeper and her master , listened at the door , and nothing could be more natural than this communication when the plaintiff , found she was a second time likely to be exposed to disgrace . Soon afterwards she went home , for the purpose , as she supposed , of being married—no more notice was taken of it—be wished to retreattime rolled on , and a child was born ; and at last an action was brought against Mr . Berry for having utterly destroyed what remained of her character and prospects in life , and now he had tke hardihood to put the plena

      which they hod beard on the record . He defied him to prove them ; be might have ransacked the country , and got young men to detail their own shame , but he would answer for it , not one of them would stand the test of cross-examination . He dared his Learned Friend t * produce them , and if he did not , what infamy would attach to the man who thus slandered , in public , the young woman whom he had betrayed into bis hands , and seduced in his bouse . If so , he trusted they would know how to measure out of the purse of this wealthy defendant , the only poor compensation which law offered for the outrage whiob the plaintiff bad received at his hands . The following evidence was then adduced : —

      Mr . John Wells—I reside at Sheepridge , and have a family of six children . Two of my daughters are older than Hannah—one of them is married . Hannah is turned thirty . A good many years ago my business failed . She was at that time sent to leant the business ¦ of a dressmaker at Brighouse ; she was there seduced , and had a son . It was very well known , in the neighbourhood that tbe boy was hers . Mr . Bewy Hv 6 » about a mile from my house ; . be is a widower , with four children . He came to my house about two years ago , and inquired if my daughter would go and keep him his bouse . I replied , I did not know whether she was disposed to go out or not ; when she came home we would consult her . It was arranged she should call upon him at his warehouse at Huddersfield , to tell him whether she could go or not Previous to her doing so , however , he called again at the house . He said he bad come on purpose to tell her he wished Hannah to

      go as soon as possible , for bis cousin , who had previously kept his house , had left . I said I did not think she would suit him , as she had not been out before / and there were also difficulties where there were children ; he replied he had made inquiries as to her character , and he believed she would suit him well . Hannah ¦ was present , and 1 told her to be sura and behave well to the children and the servant , that there might be no disagreement in the house . She asked ten guineas wages , which Mr . Berry said he would give her . Whilst in Mr . Berry ' s service , Mr . Berry ' s children came over to my house , and played with Hannah ' s little boy—there was bo disguise made about it . I had no reason to believe there was any subsequent misconduct on the part of my daughter whilst she was in my house . Hannah" returned six or seven months after she had been with Mr . Berry ; she was then in the family way .

      Cross-examined—I will not swear Hannah is not thirty-five years of age . I was a weaver till she was twenty-two or twenty -three ; I then commenced business as a manufacturer , which I continued upwards of twenty years . I failed in it , and compounded with my creditors , there being about Is . 6 d . iu the pound . Some of my daughters were employed in preparing work for the weavers . About nine years ago , I sent Hannah to Brighouse , to Mrs . Thornton , a stay and dressmaker ; she was at Brighouse about six mouths before she left Mrs . Thornton ; she was then pregnant . I do not

      remember ten or twelve years ago , a master painter , named John Ttumble , of Huddersaeld , lodging at my house , but he eccaaionally came there . I remember Mr . Wbitaker ' s church bfliDg pain ted ; Trurable worked there . I knew Marshall and Abraham Hopkinson at that time . About two years ago , I was making weekly from £ 20 to £ 30 worth of goods , which I sold at Huddersfield market I believe my daughter did not go before the justices to affiliate the child of Mr . Berry ; her first child was affiliated on a man named Adamson , who resides near to Brighouse .

      Rebecca Wells—I am slater of the plaintiff . Iremember Mr . Berry coming to ray father ' s house to engage ray sist 6 r as housekeeper . After she went there , I was in the babit of going to see her . The defendant always treated her with much kindness ; she got her meals with him and the family . I remember on one occasion he asked roe if we could spare my Bister from Sheepridge . I said I thonght we could . He replied very well , when she came here , she came home , for I shall marry her . My sister was then present On another occasion my sister and me were talking about the wedding dresses , and Mr . Berry said in joke we should have white satin . He added he would have married her the first week she came , but for the talk of the neighbours . I have also beard him say he would marry her . I remember my sister leaving ; he said it would be more respectable for my sister to come home a few weeks before he was married than to be married from his place . He also told me he intended to paper two rooms . Mr . Berry used to ask how Hannah ' s child was , when I went there .

      Cross-examined—After she bad been about six months with Mr . Berry , she received warning to leave . My first visit was about a month after my sister went into Mr . Berry ' s service . My next visit was a week or a fortnight afterwards ; three -weeks afterwards I repeated it , and went a fourth time . The defendant bas a man servant of the same name as himself . After my sister had been at home about a fortnight , she went to Manchester , -where she remained a month . [ A letter was handed to witness , which she swore she believed was not in her sister's writing . ] It was the first time I went to tbe house that the defendant talked about marrying my sister . By tbe JtDQE—The last time I visited my sister at Mr . Berry ' s was about ten days before she left

      Mrs . Fanny Sanderson—I am the wife of a fancy weaver . 1 lived with Mr . Berry when Misa Wolfs was with him as housekeeper . Mr . Berry was very civil to Miss Wells , took bis meals with her , and went to church with her . His civility was so great as to lead me to take notice of it . On a Sunday they appeared very kind , and in the evening , I listened and heard Miss Wells tell him she believed she was in the family way . He said "You have no occasion to mind , you can make this your borne , as I shall marry you . '' She said " Well you have always said you would , and hope you will ; " and he replied " I will truly . " On another evening when they were kind I heard nim say " That girl peers like the devil , ' and so I gave him notice to leave . ( Laughter . ) Cross-examined—I have never listened at any door either before ot since . I am 21 years of age .

      Mr . Alexander then addressed the Jury for the defendant He thought such cases hod better have been investigated before a private tribunal than with the publicity which always attends such enquiries . But the law of England directed that these disgusting histories should ba detailed before a Jury , and consequently those engaged in tbem were often obliged to do violence to their own feelings in commenting on details which were certainly not calculated to improve the morality of many persons who listened to them . But it was a duty imposed upon him to state them , and to the Gentlemen of the Jury to listen to tbem . He entirely agreed with the observation with which his Learned Friend prefaced his address , that the eonduct of the defendant as characterised by the evidence of the plaintiff's father and sister ( about the

      truth of which h « would presently enquire ) was conduct for which he ought to be punished . A man who either by seduction or any similar crimo deprives a woman of the character of which she may be proud , and -which , unless she had it , no man would marry her who had a character himself ; or the man , to take his friend's unfounded proposition , which was unsupported alike by reason and evidence , who engaged a young woman as servant for the purpose of illicit intercourse with her , deserved the most severe punishment . In this case was asserted a breach of promise of marriage , attended by illicit intercourse , the result of which was pregnancy , and the birth of a child . Ffteen months afterwards an action Is brought by a professional man for a breach of the supposed promise of-marriage . In most instances of this description they

      found the counsel for the defendant appealing to the Jury in mitigation of the damages , and it gave him pleasure to think that in nine cases out often this was the proper mode of appealing to a Jury , because he hoped in nine cases out of ten the woman who asked redress for a breach of promise was herself of unquestionable Character , and entitled to the sympathy of tbe Jury . But there was a tenth case , and this wm an instance of it . He should lay before them a course of evidence which the plaintiff , or her attorney , or her father had forced upon the defendant to give . He should show them profligate life begun no fewer than twelve years ago—repeated intercourse with different individuals whom he would place in the witness box , — he would show them that the plaintiff had laboured under the venereal disease , by calling before them the

      medical man who attended her—he would show them a life , the last part of which was characterised by a profligacy which would strike them with horror and surprise ; and this was the woman -who , to use his friend ' s expression , had acquired reputation , whose conduct after she had her first child , was exemplary , and on whom the world looked down with compassion and respect . Why , he would show them that , after the birth of the child , the same wild and profligate babtt continued—it was in 1837 , long after the birth of the child , that she laboured under tbe venereal disease , and at a period when they had been told by her father ahe was living with him , and when it was , therefore , to be- inferred these proceedings could net be going on . The law on this point was

      clear and decisive . Ik afforded an answer to actions of this description , to show that the woman's character was disreputable or improper either before or after the promise had been given . His-friend had made various attempts to induce them to suppose the defendant knew the history of this woman—oh , be said , he must have known She had had a child , and they bad it on the evidence of the sister that it was quite a topic of constant conversation . He would show them that when the defendant did acquire a knowledge of that fact , he immediately discharged the plaintiff from his service , and then what became of all the observations of his Learned Friend on the topic of hU address . He would then shortly state to them the position of the defendant with respect to this transaction . 2 he defendant was a respectable man in trade- —he lost liis

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      wife some years ago , and was left with three ebfl . dren , whose respective ages were five , six , and efehl His age was forty-five . About two years since * wanted a person to take care of his children , and ib manage his household affairs . He had a man-servant a cousin of bis own who was ' out ef business and who was . therefore , takes into his Bervlce , ' and was in his house at the tune the plaintiff Z housekeeper . He bad also a maid-servant named Ellen Rigg , and for thirteen days be had tbe listener at the door ( but who had never listened before or since ) , who had appeared before them in tha box . He requested hi * amain to obtain him ssuitabu person as housekeeper , and tfter . , enquiries in the neigh bourho » d , thtf plaintiff , HarnnOi Wells , was engarad " After remaining some time , he learnt that the plaintiff was a woman of bad character , and he therefore sent his ceusin over to Huddersfield to make the necesaan

      enquiries . The result was that be told her she could be no longer entrusted with his children , and he nn her a month's notice to quit The notice wasefwJ , on the 10 th of May , and « n the lllh ef Junf Jw time having expired , she left . Tbe defendant paid W the wages which had been agreed upon , and he expected he had done with her . After a lapse of fifteen month * however , he received a letter from an attorne y and immediately afterwards tbe action was brought . Thn Learned Counsel then commented on the eviden ta «!» duced for the plaintiff , urging tbat it was mea gre and unsatisfactory , and could not be placed in contrast with the positive and decided testimony which he should

      adduce . He remarked on the fact that the children went to play with the plaintiff ' s son , asking the JarVtf it were probable children of such tender years shonlrt know they were playing with the little bastard or thetJ father ' s housekeeper ; and yet there was the strongest evidence to show that the defendant had knowledge of tbe existence of tbe plaintiff ' s first child . The plaintiff was represented to him as a person of good character and religious habits—it was stated to him that sW was well known by the Methodist preachers , who took an interest in her welfare—he engaged her on the faith of that character , and when he learnt her previous history he immediately discharged her . Nothin * -onM

      be more honest and straightforward than the conduct of Mr . Berry . Tke Learned Council concluded by observing that if they did not believe tbe promise of m » riage bad been ever made , or if they believed that » t the time of the making of such promise the defendant was not acquainted with the previous history of the plaintiff , they would find a verdict for the defendant * Mr . John Trumble deposed—I am a master piintfti at Haddersfleld . In . 1830 , I Inew Hannah Wells when I was painting Mr . Allen ' s chnrch . About five years afterwards , I was engaged in painting Mr Whittaker ' s church . During the time of the painting of Mr . Alien ' s church , I had not connection with the plaintiff . Had yon afterwards ? Witness—I decline answering tbat question . Cross-examined—I have been married twelve years the 1 st of last September , and during that time I have never spoken to tbe plaintiff .

      The Judge—You had better go down , Mr . Trnmble Mr . John Marshall—I have known Hannah Welli ten years last April . Have you had sexual communication with her ? No . On putting another question , he said he did not think it was a proper one—it might cause disturbance at home . He then answered it in the negative , which excited great astonishment in Court , after the speech of the learned Counsel . I have been alone with her three times . I never took liberties with her person . I know John Smith ; I never mentioned to mm wfc&t 1 had done with her .

      Mr . CRESSWELL objected to this course of cross , examination by the Learned Counsel ' s own -witness , and the Judge held the objection valid . Mrs . Netherwood—I know Hannah Wells . Aboat seven yeara ago , I attended her , when she was delivered of a male child . I have known the plaintiff since she was a child , but I have not resided near to her . Mr . Hopkinson—I knew Hannah Wells . I do not remember placing a ladder against her bed-room window . 1 never was in her bed-room . ( Great astonishment ) I know the defendant I was at his house some time ago . On being asked if he had had any connection , he declined answering the question .

      Mr . Moxon declined being sworn . His Lordghipsai d he must be sworn . He then deposed—I attended the plaintiff about January , 1837 , and late in 1839 . On being aaked her complaint at the former period , th « witness hesitated a long time , and at last said he attended her for a venereal afflictioa The Learned Counsel then asked who paid him his charge . The witness hesitated a long time ; he then said he would rather decline answering the question . It is of great importance to other parties . I trust you will excuse me . . Mr . Alexander—I had much rather have been excused being counsel in this case ; but you know the country requires justice . Witness—When parties are respectably settled , it . to exceedingly delicate to refer to these matters . Mr . / Alexander—I fully enter Into your feelings , but I must press the question—who paid you your charge ?

      Witness—I had rather pay the fine of the subpcEna ( £ 100 ) than answer the question . A long discussion arose on this point , during which Mr . Hopkinson was re-called , and , on being asked the question , he answered positively in the negative . The jui » GB—if that be true , why did you not answer before ? Mr . Hopkinson—I do not understand your Lordship . ; The Judge—You dont ( The witness then withdrew . ) Mr . Moxon was again re-called , and pressed on the point ; at last be was relieved by the Judge deeiding that he need not answer it . In cross-examination he also declined to answer whether he had ever two wive * at one time .

      Godfrey Berry—I am cousin to the defendant I remember the time when the defendant wanted a housekeeper ; he has fourchildren , their respective ages being now four , nine , twelve , and fourteen . By my master ' s directions I inquired for a suitable servant In the course of my inquiries , amongst other persons the daughters Qf Mr . Wells were mentioaed to me—Mary was fixed upon first ; afterwards Hannah came and said she bad come to see about the place—her sister did not like , and she thought she could manage very welL I told the defendant I thonght Hannah Wells was a

      religious character . He said she was very likely to suit him if that was the case . At that time a -widow was his housekeeper , but she was about to leave him as soon as he could get suited with another . Hannah Wells came into the service at the latter end of Jan . She attended to the household matters . I remember another servant named Fanny coming ; she entered into service , 1 believe , about the middle of March . I recollect tf sister of Hannah Wells coming to see her at the farm house . I was only there once when she was there ; that was , I think , in April . I remember the ' defendant scolding her in April .

      [ Mr , Cresswell objected tothe conversation . Objection held valid . ] The plaintiff afterwards left—it was in June . Mr Berry took the keys of the cupboards into his possession in May , I believe . When the plaintiff got notice to quit she asked me if I thought he was going to be married . I said i thought ho was . Sue said she would stop in the place if he did get married . I said if she stopped she would have to take Ellen ' s place : Ellen was the housemaid . I told her what were Ellen Rigg ' s duties . I recollect Hannah leaving tbe service . She came to my master ' s house about six weeks after ; she saw both the master and myself ; she said she was going to Manchester , to commence business as a stay-maker . By the Judge—I am not married .

      Examination . resumed— She called the following Tuesday at two o ' clock in the morning ; the first thing I heard several knocks at the door and the shutters—I got up , nnd went to see who was there . I ask ed from the inside who was there ; she said I must open the door . Knpwing her voice I went and told Ellen that Hannah Wells was at the door . The knocking at tiiff door and the shutters alarmed Mr . Berry , and h e came downstairs . He called out who ' s there ; no person answered ; he then went round to the kitchen door , and Hannah was there . She was let in . I heard her as *

      Mr . Berry if he would let her stay all night , and she would go away in the morning . He allowed her to o > so , and she slept in Ellen Rigg ' s room . The next morning she went away . Hannah only went to cb . ureb once during the time she was in the service of Mr . Berry . The first visit she paid after she left was on a Saturday : she stayed on the Sunday . The defendant went to church that day . Whilst he was at church , she came into my bed room , betweea nine and too o ' slock , and said she wanted a husband ; and that she would have one too before she went away . I said ,

      " you won ' t have me , will you ! " She , in answer , said , « I'll have you , if you'll have me . " Te which I replied , "It was not likely . " She then said she wa » going to Manchester on the following morning , ana asked him if he would go with her . He answered b » would not No further conversation passed . Ellen Rigg and Hannah came together , but Hannah ordered Ellen to go down , and she would make the beds &er « self . At the request of the defendant , be made mquirlea as to her character ,, and after this information had been given , Hannah was discharged . I afterward * left , because we never could agree in consequence of mj having recommended the plaintiff . . , Cross-examined—I am now with my father , who is fanner , at Deighton , nhder Mr . Thornhill . . defendant

      Ellen Rigg deposed—I was servant to the Whem Hannah Welli was in service , I remember Mr . Hopkinson calling ; henw Hannah Wells in » roont up stairs . She told me I must not tell the master he had been . , ' Cross-examined—I had to wait on Miss Wells . Sn » also insinuated that I was not quite honest This closed the case for the defence . Mr . Cbessweli then called Mrs . Worth to contradict Godfrey Berry in his statement that he hadnot said to her te never knew anything wrong of her . Mr . Cresswell then replied . - His loRDSHip having summed up , tHe Jury retired . After an absence of nearly an hour , they returned a verdict for the plaintiff—damages , £ 59 . The Court rose at eight o ' clock .

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      TUESDAY , ' Mabch ie . ( Before Mr . Boron Rolfe . ) MANSLAUGHTER . William Walker , 21 , was charged with the manslaughter of . Sarah Jane Ttiistleton , at Hull , Mr . Baikes and Mr . Bain conducted the case for the prosecution ;; Mr . Raine appeared for tbe prisoner . Tbe deceased was between eight and nine years of age . and she met wither , death on the 21 st of December last , on the Old Dock . Bridge , in consequence of tbe negligent driving by the prisoner of the HornBea mail . The prisoner wai not the regular driver , but he drove the mail from'the ?« wt Office after the letter bags had been delivered .,, *? tne stables , where the mail was usually placed . The bridge communicates between the

      High-street and Seulcoates , and on tbe day in question , about five o'clock ' in the afternoon , the bridge was lifted up in order , to allow some vessels to pass by . While this was going on , a number of people assembled that they might ' pass over when the bridge was let down . A gig came up on the town , or Highstreet side of the bridge , and a rally took its stand behind it , according to tbe regulations . The prisoner was shortly afterwards observed driving the Homsea mail up to the place at a very improper pace ; be was reeling on the box , and i t . was the opinion of the bystanders that he was in a state of intoxication . The prisoner instead of taking bis stand immediately behind the rally , as

      he ought to have dona , drove as near to the bridge as he could . When the bridge was let down , and as the second horse in the rully was entering ' on the bridge , the prisoner drove the mail on , and attempted to pass the rully . The width of tbe bridge would not allow this , and in consequence the splinter bar of the coach came against the last horse in the rully , and the wheels of the mail got locked in tbOSO Of the rally . Much confusion and alarm was created , and , from the prisoner persevering in driving the coach forward , the rully was driven with great violence on the footpath . The wheel of the rully passed over the body of the deceased , but the prisoner drove on , seemingly quite unconcerned .

      Policeman James Dawson was on duty on tbe bridge at the time of tke accident ; he followed tbe prisoner , and found him in the stables in Great Unionstreet , pr ypool , . in _ a state df intoxication . The poor child died about seven o ' clock the same evening . . A post mortem examination of the body was afterwards made . Several bruises were found on the exterior of the body , and the liver was discovered to be ruptured . Tbe rupture of the liver corresponded with a bruise running along the course of the seventh rib . Some of the bones of the child were broken , which was to be accounted for from the fact of tbe bones of Children being much more pliant and elastic than , those of adults—they readily yielding to pressure without being broken . Guilty . —To be imprisoned two months , the lost week to be solitary .

      STABBING . Peter Beanty , 16 , was charged with having on the 10 th of September l&st , at Sheffield , stabbed William White . The Hon . J . S . WoRTLET and Mr . Read were for the prosecution . Tbe prisoner was undefended . The prosecutor is a youth apparently about the same age as the prisoner . He was going from his breakfast on the morning in question with a younger brother , when they met the prisoner who had a basket on his arm , and who said be was going to gather blackberries . A quarrel afterwards took plaoe between them , in consequence of prosecutor suspecting that the prisoner wanted to lead him from his work , when the prisoner stabbed him in the baud and in the knee with a penknife . The Jury found the prisoner guilty of an assault To be imprisoned two months . «

      SUBGLiST . James Nicholson , so , was charged with having , on the 23 d of September last , broken into the dwellinghouse of John S waine , at the parish of Kirby Malztard , and stolen therefrom a quantity of woollen cloth and money . * Mr . Baines and Mr . Wilkins were for the prosecution ; Sir Q . Lewin defended the prisoner . The prisoner was found Guilty of stealing , but not of the burglary . Sentence deferred .

      STABBINO . James Nicholson , 36 , who was convicted in the last case , John Addiman , 25 , and Joseph Hundley , 23 , were charged with having , ou the 30 th of September last , at Leeds , feloniously stabbed , cut , and wounded James Child , with intent to prevent the lawful apprehension of Nicholson . Mr . Bai . ves and Mr , Wilkins appeared for the prosecution ; Sir GREGORY Levtih defended the prisoners . - ^^ The prosecdWRs an inspector of police , at Leeds On Wednesday , the 30 th of September , in consequence of information of a burglary having been committed at Pately Bridge , and tke prisoner Nicholson having been suspected , Inspector Child and Policeman Stubbs went to a beer-house , kept by David Butters , in

      Marshlane , where they had reason to believe they should and the prisoner . They did find him there , and Child Kaid to him ' Jem , I ' ve been wanting thee for a few days . " Nicholson said "what for ? " Child replied for a felony , and he was to go with him . Nicholson told him to wait a little , but Child replied he could not wait , and proceeded to handcuff him . He struggled violently , kicked Child , and called for assistance . Addiman struck Child several times with a poker , which had been put into the fire by Nicholson , over tbe head and right arm . His arm was broken and his head severely injured , and whilst Child had hold of the poker with bis left band , Hundley cut it between his finger and thumb , to make him let go his hold . Stubbs also received several blows , and all the three men escaped out of the hou » e ,

      The Jury returned a verdict of Guilty against all tbe prisoners . They were each , sentenced to be transported for fifteen years .

      HTGHWAY BOBBERY AT SHELF . George Haigh , 10 , was charged with having , on the 21 st January , at the parish of Shelf , feloniously assaulted Abraham Pearson , and stolen from him a purse containing £ 41 is .. The prisoner appeared at the bar highly respectably dressi d . Mr . Wortley and Mr . Pickering conducted the prosecution ; the prisoner was defended by Mr . WlLKlxs . The prosecutor ha « the managemeirt of the weighing machine at Messrs . Hardy's Iron works , on tbe Low Moor , between Bradford and Halifax , and he received ready money for coals weighed at the machine . It was bis custom to take the money which he received to tbe house of Mr . Woodcock , the overlooker . On the night mentioned in the indictment , the prosecutor remained on the premises till eleven o ' clock , and then

      proceeded to Mr . Woodcock ' s , who resided about a quarter of a mile from the place . At this time he had ¦ with him £ 13 10 s . in gold , and £ 27 10 s . in silver . On his road he was attacked by three men ; one of them laid hold of him , whilst the others rifled his pockets . The prosecutor positively swore that the prisoner was the man who seized him ; and in corroboration it was shown that he was seen neat the premises in comp any with two others , a short time before the robbery . Mr . WiLKiNI addressed the Jury in an eloquent speech , stating that he should call two witnesses , who would prove that the old prosecutor , when the prisoner was taken into custody , said that he believed he had got the wrong man , and that it was on his testimony alone , the cose for tbe prosecution rested . He Bhould call witnesses io show that at the time alleged the urisoner was at his own h « me , and that be never left it on that night ' -

      Mr . John Haigh , father of the prisoner , deposed that he wtnt home on the night in question , about a quarter to ten o ' clock ; his sou was then in bed-Mrs . Haigb , his mother , swore be was at borne that night H » went to V » ed about a quarter before eightbe hod never been out of the house . When the constable came he had his trousers on , as he was going to draw some ovens early tbe next morning . Cross-examined—The prisoner went to bed first We were ail asleep when the constable came . My other son , Joseph , went to bed about nine o ' clock . My husband came home about ten o ' clock . The prisoner ' s shoes were wet because he had been , working for Joshua Blake , sleeking , the ovens .

      Mr . Peather , superintendent of the Halifax police , said he saw the prosecutor after the prisoner had been before tbe magistrates . He appeared to have some doubts as to his identity . James Rawson , police-officer , gave evidence of a still stronger character . The Judge intimated it was impossible te convict on such evidence , and the Jury accordingly returned a verdict of Not Guilty . The Court rose at nine o'clock . MAGISTRATES' ROOM , Tuesday , March 16 . ( Before R . Armstrong , Esq ., Q . C . J George Firth , Joseph Roebuck , and Henry Hargreaves , who had been convicted on the previous day of a burglary and robbery , were sentenced to be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for two years .

      BIGAMT . Robert Wilson ( 27 ) was charged with having , on the 2 nd of Mwch . at Alue , in the North Riding , unlawfully married one Jane Hall , his former wife , Mary Wilson , beiqg then alive . Mr . Mathews conducted the prosecution ; the prisoner was defended b y Sir G . Lewju . The firBtnurria ^ e , took place at Nunnington , in 1 8 35 , and three years afterwards they parted . Wilson then went into service , and , in 1840 , marri e d his married his master's daughter . Guilty—To be kept to hard labour for one year .

      POACHING AT GLEDSTOKR . James Batiks U 9 ) was charged with having been found armed -with . gona in a cIobo called Brenta Meadows , belonging to R . H . Ronndell , Esq ., of Gledstone Hal ) , in Craven . The Hon . -in S .. "Wortley and Mr . Monteith were for the pro&eeotion ; Mr . Cottingham defended the prisoner . It appeared that , on the 9 th of November , a party of poachers , about twelve in number , entered the pleasure-grounds adjoining to Gledstone House , where , about- 'OridniKht , they commenced maJriag harociof ( he ph « t » aut 8 . 0 ? which a great number

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      ft THE NORTHERN STAR .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), March 20, 1841, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct541/page/6/