Derry Assizes, Co. Londonderry, August 1806
Extracted from the Belfast Commercial Chronicle, August 23, 1806
Transcribed, Compiled and Submitted by
Len Swindley, Melbourne, Australia
len_swindley[at]hotmail.com
DERRY ASSIZES
On Wednesday, the Hon. Justice MAYNE, and Baron GEORGE arrived in this City, at 12 o’clock, and proceeded to business immediately after arrival. – In the Crown Court the following prisoners were tried and acquitted:
|
NICHOLAS BRADLEY |
for attempting to pass three counterfeit guineas – Acquitted |
|
PETER DONAGHY |
indicted for the murder of CHARLES DEMPSEY – Acquitted |
|
DAVID SWEENY |
a soldier of the Waterford Militia, charged with stabbing PHILIP LYNCH with a bayonet – Acquitted |
|
ROBERT FORGY, and JAMES McASEE |
indicted for the murder of a drummer of the Derry Militia, named BRADLEY – Acquitted |
|
PEGGY McALISTER and NANCY QUIGLY |
charged with having stolen two six shilling tokens, a coat, and some halfpence, the property of JOHN PHILIPS – Acquitted |
|
ANN WOOL |
Indicted for robbery – Acquitted |
|
PAT. CRAMPSHEY |
for having in his possession goods to the amount of £8 supposed to be stolen – Acquitted |
|
EDWARD CALLAGHAN |
for stealing a horse – Acquitted; but to give Security for his good behaviour for seven years, before he be charged. He has since volunteered for his Majesty’s Navy. |
|
CATHERINE CUSHIGLEN |
for having received a piece of Mode, knowing it to be stolen – Acquitted; but to give security for her good behaviour for seven years before she will be discharged |
In the other Court, the only record worthy of notice was that of a Qui tam action, wherein ARCHIBALD HAMILTON was plaintiff, and JOHN DUNCAN, of Magherafelt, defendant. It was brought to recover nine different penalties of £20 each against defendant for passing receipts and delivering accounts with the words – paid and settled at foot, without being duly stamped; five, however were only proved, and the Jury were obliged, agreeable to the charge of the Learned Judge, to find a verdict according to law, for the sum of £100 – It is hoped that the result of this trial will put merchants on their guard in future, and not for the trifling value of the stamp duty, suffer themselves to be subject to so heavy a penalty, which may be recovered by any person who may chuse to turn informer.