Donegal Assizes Lifford, Co Donegal
Extracted from the Strabane Morning Post
The following articles were transcribed & compiled by Len Swindley and form part of the Donegal Genealogy Resources Website
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Aug 1822 ~ Apr 1823 ~ Jul 1823 ~ Mar 1824 ~ Aug 1824 ~ Mar 1825 ~ Jul 1825 ~ Mar 1826 ~ Jul 1826
Mar 1827 ~ Aug 1827 ~ Mar 1828 ~ Jul 1828 ~ Mar 1829 ~ Aug 1829 ~ Mar 1830 ~ Mar 1834
Donegal Assizes held at Lifford, 5 Aug 1822
On Saturday last, the assizes for Donegal commenced at Lifford - the Hon. JUSTICE FLETCHER presiding in the Crown Court, and the Hon. Justice Johnston in the Record Court. The following Gentlemen were sworn on the Grand Jury:
Hon. E. M. P. Conolly, Foreman
Sir S. HAYES, Bart J. CHAMBERS, Esq. Thomas BROOKE, Esq R. BABINGTON, Esq. Andrew KNOX, Esq. G. YOUNG, Esq. James STEWART, Esq. J. CAREY, Esq. Sir J. GALBRAITH, Bart. F. MANSFIELD, Esq. Conolly GAGE, Esq. Sir J. J. BURGOYNE, Knt. Joseph JOHNSTON, Esq. A. FERGUSON, Esq. D. CHAMBERS, Esq. T. J. ATKINSON, Esq. W. STEWART, Esq., Horn Head [?] M. BABINGTON, Esq. R. W. NESBITT, Esq. C. CRAWFORD, Esq. J. HARVEY, Esq. J. COCHRAN, Esq. The Judge addressed the Grand Jury in a brief manner, congratulating them on their calendar, which exhibited but one crime of an atrocious nature - that of a rape
The Court proceeded to try the following persons:
McCAY Thomas Indicted for having a mare in his possession, the property of JOHN ROGERS - guilty GARRY William Indicted for a rape on MARTHA DONAGHEY, near Castlefin to be executed on the 12th of Nov. next - submitted - Death McDAID Edward For robbing the house of HENRY KANE, at Malin - guilty to be imprisoned for 7 years HENRY Connell Of Glen, for perjury; Guilty - to stand in the pillory at Killybegs - and to be transported for 7 years SHIELS Peter For robbing PATRICK MURRAY of Barnes of a Mare, on the King’s highway - to be executed on the 12th of November next LOGUE alias MULLOY Cornelius For disposing of Sheep which he came dishonestly by - to be imprisoned 6 months, and kept at hard labour McMULLIN Eleanor For stealing a pocket containing Bank tokens to the amount of 30s. and upwards - to be imprisoned 6 months 21 persons were discharged by proclamation.
31 persons were found guilty of practices connected with Illicit Distillation - to be imprisoned 1 month or pay £2 to the King - 5 persons guilty of the like - to be imprisoned 2 months, or pay a fine of £3 to the King
Donegal Assizes held at Lifford, April 1823
MUNDAY Patrick for Horse stealing - to be executed on the 6th of May next SMYTH Andrew for returning a fraudulent Schedule, in order to defraud his creditors - Guilty - to be imprisoned 6 months HART Thomas indicted for Cow stealing - acquitted of the charge - but to remain in custody for transportation for stealing oats McFADDEN Dennis & for stealing linens - Mulheran acquitted - McFadden guilty - to be imprisoned six months, and kept to hard labour MULHERRAN Sally MULLOY Patrick for a rescue - to be imprisoned 6 months, and kept to hard labour CAMPBELL Catherine indicted for passing base coin in the town of Ballybofey - Guilty - to be imprisoned six months, and to give security to be of the peace McMANUS Mary indicted for being vagrants, to be transported for seven years, unless they give security for their good behaviour SWEENY Lucinda LEYNARD Alice McGARRIGLE John charged with pulling down a house near Ballyshannon, the property of Mary McGarrigle - Guilty - to be imprisoned for one year - and to be publicly whipped through the town of Ballyshannon, from the bridge to the Fair green, on the following days ; on the 12th of April, 21st of June,
and 18th of September
McENTIRE James JUDGE Charles McGARRIGLE Daniel, Michael & Owen O’CONNELL Lieut. Maurice indicted for a rape - acquitted O’NEILL Mary & Susan charged with having stolen goods in their possession, knowing them to be such - Not Guilty McMONIGAL Thomas for horse stealing - no prosecution GALLAGHER Dennis for cow stealing - Not Guilty WARD Michael for stealing Oats - Not Guilty FOX Patrick for passing and having in his possession base coin - guilty - to be imprisoned 3 months, or pay a fine GALLAUGHER Thomas for the life offence - to be imprisoned 3 months, or pay a fine McLAUGHLIN William for breaking a trunk, the property of the Rev. Henry Scott, and making there from £30 in Notes and silver - not guilty - discharged DOHERTY Mary for cow stealing - not guilty McLAUGHLIN Patrick for passing forged notes of the Belfast bank - not guilty GALLAUGHER Peter for stealing a bridle, from Andrew Devlin, of Tawnawilly - not guilty FRIEL Owen & James for house breaking - to appear at Sessions HEGGARTY William & for robbing James Dreenan of 3 cows - not guilty McLAUGHLIN Michael MORROW Mathew & each charged with committing a rape - no prosecution WALKER Richard McCAFFRY Patrick for having a stolen mare in his possession - to be transmitted to Enniskillen to be tried GALLAUGHER Bernard for Sheep stealing - not guilty McSWINE Francis for taking forcible possession of a house - to appear at Sessions MURRAY Dennis for setting fire to a stack of Oats - not guilty DOHERTY John & for stealing a horse, the property of Widow Snodgrass, near Castlefin - not guilty McGRATH James McGOWAN Hugh & for setting fire to the Office houses of Hugh Gallaugher - not guilty McGOWAN Richard Donegal Assizes held at Lifford, July 1823
On Friday last, the Hon. Judge JOHNSTON arrived in Lifford, and proceeded to the Crown Court, when the following Gentlemen were sworn on the Grand Jury:
[???] M. PACKENHAM, Esq., Foreman
Sir S. HAYES, Bart. George YOUNG, Esq. Thomas BROOKE, Esq. Andrew FERGUSON, Esq. Andrew KNOX, Esq. Robert BATESON, Esq. James STEWART, Esq. Joseph JOHNSTON, Esq. Hon. F. HOWARD R. W. NESBITT, Esq. Sir H. STYLES, Bart John CHAMBERS, Esq. Francis MANSFIELD, Esq. John CURRY, Esq. Daniel CHAMBERS, Esq. T. J. ATKINSON, Esq. Henry IRVINE, Esq. Chas. CRAWFORD, Esq. J. HARVEY, Malin hall, Esq. Ralph YOUNG, Esq. J. HARVEY, Esq. Balintlave Sir J. J. BURGOYNE, Knt. His Lordship then addressed the grand jury, congratulating them on the peaceable state of the county of Donegal, as appeared from the calendar before them, in which out of fifteen cases, he saw but two of serious offences.
GARRETT John Indicted for stealing 3 webs of Cloth from the Bleach-green of JOSEPH JOHNSTON, at Summerhill, on the 22d of June last - Guilty HAIR Letetia Indicted for stealing a web of muslin from the shop of MR. WILLIAM SIMS, at Castlefin, on the 28th June - Not guilty - discharged BRADLEY Patrick Indicted for the murder of CHARLES HENRY - Not guilty - discharged HUXTABLE John Indicted for firing at, and shooting WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM, at Ballymar - guilty of manslaughter Donegal Assizes held at Lifford, March 1824
On Wednesday last, Mr. Justice JEBB, opened his commission in the Crown Court, the following Gentlemen having been sworn on the Grand Jury:
Lieut. Gen. G. V. HART, Foreman
Sir Samuel HAYES, Bart. George YOUNG, Esq. Edward M. CONOLLY, Esq. John HARVEY, Esq. Andrew KNOX, Esq. Thomas J. ATKINSON, Esq. Thomas BROOKE, Esq. Andrew FERGUSON, Esq. John HAMILTON, Esq. Ralph E. BABINGTON, Esq. James STEWART, Esq. Francis MANSFIELD, Esq. Alex. R. STEWART, Esq. Robert BATESON, Esq. Henry IRVINE, Esq. Thomas KENNEDY, Esq. W. STEWART, Esq., Hornhead [?] Conolly GAGE, Esq. Sir A. CHICHESTER, Bart. Richard W. NESBITT, Esq. Sir Charles STYLE, Bart. Daniel CHAMBERS, Esq. George KNOX, Esq. High Sheriff The Court proceeded to the trial of the following prisoners:
McCRORY Patrick For stealing a silver spoon, the property of the REV. HAMILTON STEWART - Guilty. To be imprisoned 6 months TOLLAND James For stabbing on the breast with a bayonet, OWEN RODDY - Guilty. To be imprisoned 12 months MARLEY Edward & For feloniously breaking into the house of JOHN SCANLON, calling themselves Captain Rock and Captain Drake, and administering unlawful oaths to said Scanlon and others - Guilty. To be transported MURRAY Denis McGLIN Neal For horse-stealing - Guilty. To be transported FLEMMING John For stealing a quantity of sheet lead, the property of ALEXANDER BOYD, of Gortlee, Esq. - Not Guilty RISK James Indicted for the murder of MARY HAIR- Guilty of Manslaughter. To be transported for life McGRAW John & For burning a turf stack, the property of FRANCIS TEAZE of Carrick. Guilty CAMPBELL William McMENAMIN James & For riotously assembling with a number of others, assaulting, and throwing down the house of OWEN QUIN, on the morning of Sunday the 16th of November last - DENIS McMENAMIN guilty McMENAMIN John & DOHERTY Hugh & McMENAMIN Denis BOUVAIRD Mathew For horse-stealing - Not Guilty SWEENY Elizabeth For stealing a piece of muslin - Guilty. To be imprisoned two months McCARRON John A soldier, for coining - Not guilty CARBERRY Cormick For stealing two cows, the property of JAMES CALLAGHAN - Not Guilty SHERIDAN Patrick For stealing three heifers - Guilty. To be imprisoned 6 months Donegal Assizes held at Lifford, Aug 1824
GALLAGHER Thomas An informer, was indicted for wilful and corrupt perjury KILPATRICK alias FITZPATRICK Patrick For passing forged notes, at the fair of Glenties - Guilty. To be transported 14 years CUNNINGHAM Alexander For stealing wearing apparel from JOHN BARNET and others - Guilty. To be transported 7 years LEONARD Alicia & For stealing wearing apparel at Ballyshannon - Guilty. To be transported 7 years McMANUS Margaret, alias Mary GALLAGHER Charles For horse stealing - Guilty. Death. To remain in custody until further orders HARKIN Catherine For the murder of her infant child - Guilty of concealing the birth. To be imprisoned 9 months RICHARDSON William For stealing a pair of spurs, from MR. SHEROWIN - Guilty. To be imprisoned [..?] months CRAMSAY John Cow-stealing - Guilty. To be imprisoned one year GALLAUGHER Wm For an assault, and shooting with intent to kill - Guilty BIRNIE Samuel For stealing a box containing hardware, value £4 and upwards, the property of JOHN SHARKEY - Guilty. To be imprisoned 6 months SLEVIN Michael & Charged with Whiteboyism - Not Guilty McCOOL John McLAUGHLIN ? Stealing a looking-glass - discharged HARKIN Susanna For murder - Discharged
Donegal Assizes held at Lifford 17 Mar 1825
On Thursday, at ten o’clock, Mr. Baron McCLELLAND proceeded to the Court House, at Lifford, when the Commission having been read, the following Gentlemen were sworn on the Grand Jury:
E. M. CONNOLLY, Esq., Foreman
James STEWART, Esq. Francis MANSFIELD, Esq. Thomas BROOKE, Esq. A. FERGUSON, Esq. Andrew KNOX, Esq. R. W. NESBITT, Esq. Sir Jas. GALBRAITH, Bart. Daniel CHAMBERS, Esq. R. MONTGOMERY, Esq. John CHAMBERS, Esq. John HAMILTON, Esq. Sir J. J. BURGOYNE, Knt. John HARVEY, Esq. John COCHRAN, Esq. George YOUNG, Esq. Robert YOUNG, Esq. Wm. STEWART, Esq. W. BABINGTON, Esq. Robert BATESON, Esq. James JOHNSTON, Esq. H. IRVINE, Esq. John FREDERICK, Esq. The Court proceeded with the following cases:
McGINTY Daniel Indicted under Lord Elenborough’s Act, for stabbing with intent to kill JOHN WILSON of Raphoe [full details of the trial are reported] The Jury brought in their verdict of Guilty - the warrant directs him to be executed on Friday, the 8th of April McDAID Collomb For cow-stealing - not guilty McBRIDE A. For horse-stealing - not guilty McCOLLUMB C. For cow-stealing - not guilty HASLETT Archibald For cow-stealing - to be transported seven years LOUGHRY J. For writing threatening letters - not guilty SHIELS M. For horse-stealing - not guilty WARDE O. For having forged notes in his possession - discharged, to appear at next assizes COYLE Catherine For breaking windows - to remain in custody TOBIN William For shooting at ---------- KELLY with intent to kill or maim him - to appear next assizes McCARRON J. For horse stealing - not guilty FREEL M. For cow stealing - to appear next assizes PORTER G. For taking forcible possession and a riot - to be imprisoned 9 months PORTER A. REED J. LYNCH T. DENNY W. A. For an assault and riot - not guilty SMITH James MURPHY William For an assault - not guilty Ten persons, indicted for various offences, were discharged by proclamation
Seventy four persons were found guilty for offences connected with illicit distillation
Donegal Assizes held at Lifford Jul 1825
August 2 1825
On Saturday last, Mr. Justice Moore opened the Commission in the Crown Court.
The following Gentlemen having been sworn on the Crown Jury:
Rt. Hon. Earl MOUNTCHARLES
W. STEWART, ESQ., Hornhead
Sir Samuel HAYES, BART.
J. HARVEY, ESQ. Malin hall.
Edward CONOLLY, ESQ.
George YOUNG, ESQ.
J. STEWART, ESQ.
Daniel TODD, ESQ.
Thomas BROOKE, ESQ.
R. W. NESBITT, ESQ.
Andrew KNOX, ESQ.
Francis MANSFIELD, ESQ.
Sir J. GALBRAITH, BART.
Andrew FERGUSON, ESQ.
Sir Robert BATESON, BART.
Robert DELAP, ESQ.
John HAMILTON, ESQ.
William FENWICK, ESQ.
John HART ESQ.
Sir J. J. BURGOYNE
R. MONTGOMERY, ESQ.
John COCHRAN, ESQ.
Conoly GAGE, ESQ.
Sir T. C. STYLE, BART. Sherrif
CONAGHAN
Charles
Cow stealing - not Guilty
CANNON
Bridget
Cow stealing - not Guilty
CANNON
Giles
CANNON
Susannah
HARKIN
D.
Sheep stealing - not Guilty
O’DOHERTY
John
Sheep stealing - Not Guilty
GOBBIN
Edward
Murder - Guilty, Manslaughter
HARRAN
Mathew
cow stealing - not Guilty
TOMENY
C.
Rape - not Guilty
McGINNIS
Henry
Stealing wearing apparel - Guilty
WARD
Owen
Forged Note - not Guilty
BURK
E.
Scuttling a vessel - Guilty
TOBIN
William
Shooting with intent to kill - not Guilty
CRAIG
Patrick
Horse stealing - not Guilty
SNODGRASS
J.
Stealing cloth - Guilty
BARR
Mary
Same - not Guilty
August 9 1825
The only trial which excited any interest, was that of JOHN BURKE, charged with having assisted in destroying a vessel by scuttling her, of which he was mate, and disposing of the Cargo, by which St. Patrick assurance office was defrauded of the amount insured - The vessel was named the “Dunmore”, CONOLY master, bound from Sligo for Liverpool, and laden with oats and butter
[Full and lengthy details of the trial were published]
The Jury brought in a verdict, acquitting him (there being no evidence of the vessel having been scuttled) of the capital charge; but finding him guilty of the minor offence, stealing the butter. Sentenced to fourteen years transportation
HANLON James For a Rape - discharged by proclamation CHATELY Andrew For a malicious burning - discharged by proclamation HEGARTY Wm., For an assault and robbery of arms - bail to appear at next assizes CASH Caroline For refusing to tell her name or residence - discharged McDAID Darby Cow stealing - bail to appear at Sessions JAMES Samuel Embezzling bread - bail to appear at Sessions DOHERTY Catherine For concealing the birth of a child - discharged by proclamation ROPER John Passing base coin - bail to appear next assizes McHUGH Eleanor For taking forcible possession - bail to appear next Sessions GORMAN Owen For an assault and robbery - discharged by proclamation GALLAUGHER John Donegal Assizes held at Lifford March 1826
March 22 1826
On Thursday, at ten o’clock, Mr. Baron McCLELLAND proceeded to the Court-House, at Lifford, when the Commission having been read, the following Gentlemen were sworn on the Grand Jury
E. M. Connolly, Esq. Foreman
James STEWART, ESQ. Francis MANSFIELD, ESQ. Thomas BROOKE, ESQ. A. FERGUSON, ESQ. Andrew KNOX, ESQ. R. W. NESBITT, ESQ. Sir James GALBRAITH, BART. Daniel CHAMBERS, ESQ. R. MONTGOMERY, ESQ. John CHAMBERS, ESQ. John HAMILTON, ESQ. Sir J. J. BURGOYNE, KNT. John HARVEY, ESQ. John COCHRAN, ESQ. George YOUNG, ESQ. Robert YOUNG, ESQ. Wm. STEWART, ESQ. W. BABINGTON, ESQ. Robert BATESON, ESQ. James JOHNSTON, ESQ. H. IRVINE, ESQ. John FREDERICK, ESQ. The following prisoners were put upon their trial:
McGINTY Daniel Indicted under Lord Elenborough’s Act, for stabbing with intent to kill JOHN WILSON of Raphoe. [Lengthy details of the trial are reported] The Jury brought in their verdict of Guilty - the warrant directs him to be executed on Friday, the 8th of April McDAID Collomb For cow-stealing - not guilty McCOLLUMB C. For cow-stealing - not guilty McBRIDE A. For horse-stealing - not guilty HASLETT Archibald For cow-stealing - to be transported seven years LOUGHRY J. For writing threatening letters - not guilty SHIELS M. For horse-stealing - not guilty WARDE O. For having forged notes in his possession - discharged, to appear at next assizes COYLE Catherine For breaking windows - to remain in custody TOBIN William For shooting at ---------- KELLY, with intent to kill or maim him - to appear next assizes McCARRON J. For horse stealing - not guilty FREEL M. For cow stealing - to appear next assizes PORTER G. For taking forcible possession and a riot - to be imprisoned 9 months PORTER A. REED J. LYNCH T. DENNY W. A. for an assault and riot - not guilty SMITH James MURPHY William for an assault - not guilty Ten persons, indicted for various offences, were discharged by proclamation
Seventy four persons were found guilty for offences connected with illicit distillation
Donegal Assizes held at Lifford March 1826
March 28 1826
The only trial which excited any interest, was that of JOHN BURKE, charged with having assisted in destroying a vessel by scuttling her, of which he was mate, and disposing of the Cargo, by which St. Patrick assurance office was defrauded of the amount insured - The vessel was named the “Dunmore”, CONOLY master, bound from Sligo for Liverpool, and laden with oats and butter [A full and lengthy description of the case follows] The Jury brought in a verdict, acquitting him (there being no evidence of the vessel having been scuttled) of the capital charge; but finding him guilty of the minor offence, stealing the butter. Sentenced to fourteen years transportation
HANLON James For a Rape - discharged by proclamation CHATELY Andrew For a malicious burning - discharged by proclamation HEGARTY William For an assault and robbery of arms - bail to appear at next assizes CASH Caroline For refusing to tell her name or residence - discharged McDAID Darby Cow stealing - bail to appear at Sessions JAMES Samuel Embezzling bread - bail to appear at Sessions DOHERTY Catherine For concealing the birth of a child - discharged by proclamation ROPER John Passing base coin - bail to appear next assizes McHUGH Eleanor For taking forcible possession - bail to appear next Sessions GORMAN Owen For an assault and robbery - discharged by proclamation GALLAUGHER John Donegal Assizes held at Lifford Jul 1826
August 1 1826
On Wednesday last, the HON. JUSTICE JEBB opened his Majesty’s Commission in the Crown Court [at Lifford] the HON. JUSTICE BURTON presiding in the Record Court. The following Gentlemen were sworn on the Grand Jury:
GENERAL HART, M. P. Foreman
Edward CONOLLY ESQ. James SINCLAIR, ESQ. James STEWART, ESQ. George YOUNG, ESQ. Thomas BROOK, ESQ. Thomas YOUNG, ESQ. Robert MONTGOMERY, ESQ. Andrew FERGUSON, ESQ. Sir A. CHICHESTER, BART. Sir J. J. BURGOYNE, KNT. Sir R. BATESON, BART. Thomas A. ATKINSON, ESQ. William STEWART, ESQ. John COCHRAN, ESQ. Conolly GAGE, ESQ. Murray BABINGTON, ESQ. Sir T. C. STYLE, BART. James JOHNSTON, ESQ. Joseph PRATT, ESQ. Robert McCLINTOCK, ESQ. John HARVEY, ESQ. Malin-hall John CHAMBERS, ESQ. The following prisoners were put upon their trial:
FLEMING Jane Was indicted for stealing bank notes and other property from OWEN LOUGHRY, near Buncrana - imprisoned 6 months, and kept to hard labour MOORE Ellen For picking the pockets of JAMES BALL, ESQ., in the fair of Castlefin - imprisoned six months, and kept to hard labour DONAGHER Elizabeth For exposing her newly-born infant in a field near Ballyshannon, for the purpose of deserting it - to be imprisoned 12 months BOYLE Hugh For horse-stealing - verdict of Death recorded O’NEILL Jane For having counterfeit coin in her possession -- to be imprisoned 6 months, and kept to hard labour GALLAUGHER William For cow-stealing - verdict of Death recorded SMYTH Jeremiah Was indicted, for having been concerned, with others, in pulling down the house of JOHN STEWART, at Finnyduck [Finnadork?] [A lengthy report of the trial was reported] The jury retired for a short time, and returned a verdict of - Not Guilty GUTHRIE R. Was indicted for cutting and wounding with a sharp knife, MARY MAGILL, at Culdaff -- Guilty, to be imprisoned six months, and kept to hard labour, to pay prosecutrix £4 12s. 3d. British, or in default of payment, to be imprisoned six calendar months longer SMYTH Jeremiah Charged with Whiteboyism, entered into recognizance to keep the peace for seven years SPEER John GALLAGHER John MOORE John COLLINS Neal SWEENY Lucinda Indicted for being a vagrant - to be transported seven years, unless bail be found within six months for her good behaviour for seven years McDAVITT D. Charged with a violent assault on ALICE STRAIN - to remain in custody till the certificate of a surgeon states that the prosecutrix is out of danger, and then to give security to stand his trial at Sessions, himself in £2, and two sureties in £10 each Donegal Assizes held at Lifford Mar 1827
April 3, 1827
LIFFORD SPRING ASSIZES
HEALY Margaret Indicted for stealing a pair of sheets &c. - to be imprisoned six calendar months HENRY James For murder - to be imprisoned one week CAMPBELL Catherine For passing base Coin - to be imprisoned 6 months and find security for six months more, herself in £20 and two sureties in £10 each ALGEO John For stealing a pair of shoes, a silk shawl, and 15 shillings in Cash - to be imprisoned 6 calendar months FLANAGAN Peter For stealing wearing apparel - to be imprisoned one year, and kept to hard labour McALENY John Sheep stealing - to be transported for 7 years McSHANE Hugh Stealing bank notes - to be imprisoned one year and kept to hard labour CALLAN John Prevarication - to be imprisoned one month McNAUGHT William For stealing yarn - to remain in custody till next assizes GORMAN Hugh Sheep stealing - to be transported for seven years TINNY George Indicted for an assault on JOHN JOYCE ESQ., Revenue Officer - to be imprisoned one year 117 Distillers to be imprisoned for 3 months, 34 to be imprisoned for 4 months, 3 for 6 months & 1 to be fined £2
Donegal Assizes held at Lifford Aug 1827
August 14 1827
On Saturday last, Mr. Justice Moore opened the Commission in the Crown Court at Lifford. The following Gentlemen were sworn on the Grand Jury: -
Gen. G. V. HART, M. P. Foreman
Earl MOUNTCHARLES, M. P. J. SINCLAIR, ESQ. E. CONNOLLY, ESQ. A. FERGUSON, ESQ. Sir J. STEWART, BART. D. TODD, ESQ. J. HAMILTON, ESQ. J. JOHNSTON, ESQ. Sir T. C. STYLE, BART. H. BABINGTON, ESQ. Sir R. FERGUSON BART. D. CHAMBERS, ESQ. T. BROOKE, ESQ. R. McCLINTOCK, ESQ. J. HARVEY ESQ. T. J. ATKINSON, ESQ. J. PRATT, ESQ. Sir J. J. BURGOYNE R. W. NESBITT, ESQ. J. TREDENNICK, ESQ. W. STEWART, ESQ. J. BOYD, SEN. ESQ. The following prisoners were put upon their trial:
McNAUGHT William For stealing yarn - Not Guilty O’DONNELL John Stealing potatoes - Not Guilty DIVINE Joseph For picking pockets - Not Guilty DOHERTY Patrick For burglary - Guilty DOHERTY Thomas For robbery - Guilty BROWN Margaret For exposing an infant child - Not Guilty GALLAGHER Owen For horse stealing - Not Guilty KELLY Patrick For same - Not Guilty MULLIN Susan For larceny - Guilty CAMPBELL, (ALIAS McNIGHT) John For horse stealing - Not Guilty Tuesday, August 21, 1827
Continued from our last issue
McNAUGHT William Stealing 12 Spangles of Linen Yarn - Not Guilty McMULLION Alice Vagrant - Not guilty O’DONNELL John Stealing Potatoes - Not Guilty JOSEPH Divine Picking the pocket of Archibald Roulston - No Bill SWEENEY John Cow Stealing - No Bill KAIN Anne Stealing wearing Apparel - No Bill DOHERTY Patrick Burglary and Robbery - Sentence of death recorded GRIFFITH Anne Robbery - Guilty - to be imprisoned one month GRIFFITH Eleanor Robbery, Not Guilty McCUNNINGHAM Michael Burning a Mill - To give security for his appearance at next Assizes McILWAIN (otherwise CROSSAN) Rose Burning a house - No Bill DOHERTY Thomas Robbery - to be transported 7 years DOHERTY Michael For Same - to be imprisoned 3 months McGINLEY James Assault on Police, and carrying away a carabine - to be imprisoned 6 Months at hard labour, and give security for his good behaviour for seven years BROWN Margaret Exposing her infant Child - not guilty DOOEY (otherwise DUFFY) John Purloining and Embezzling a letter containing money - Not guilty GALLAUGHER Owen Horse Stealing - Not guilty WARD John Robbery - Not guilty KELLY Patrick Horse stealing - Not guilty BARRON Patrick Stealing Harness - No Bill HARLEY John Sheep stealing - to be imprisoned 3 Months HARLEY Dennis Sheep stealing - to be transported for seven years HARLEY Unity Sheep stealing - Not guilty BRENNAN Patrick Attempted Rape - No Bill EWING Thomas Forgery - to be imprisoned 3 Months at hard labour MULLAN Susan Larceny - to be imprisoned 4 Months CAMPBELL (otherwise McNIGHT) John Horse stealing - No Bill SHIELDS (otherwise AGNEW) John Horse stealing - Sentence of death recorded TRIAL OF JOSEPH DIXON THORNLEY
JOSEPH DIXON THORNLEY was indicted, for having defrauded the King of certain Sums of money, by an overcharge of postage, when Pro-collector of the Customs at Ballyshannon [There follows a lengthy report of the trial, concluding with:] His Lordship proceeded to address the Jury, at some length, who, to the satisfaction of a crowded court, acquitted the traverser, without leaving the box. Thus ended a prosecution which has cost the country about one thousand pounds
Donegal Assizes held at Lifford Mar 1828
March 25 1828
On Friday the Hon. Baron McCLELLAND opened the Commission in the Crown Court [at Lifford]. The following gentlemen were sworn on the Grand Jury:
E. M. CONOLLY, Esq. Foreman
Sir J. STEWART, BART. R. W. NESBITT, ESQ. T. BROOKE, ESQ. W. STEWART, ESQ. Sir Edmund HAYES, BART. W. WRAY, ESQ. Sir A. CHICHESTER, BART. D. CHAMBERS, ESQ. Sir T. C. STYLE, BART. D. TODD, ESQ. A. R. STEWART, ESQ. James JOHNSTON, ESQ. R. MONTGOMERY, ESQ., JUN. H. BABINGTON, ESQ. James SINCLAIR, ESQ. J. ATKINSON, ESQ. John HERVEY, ESQ. A. FERGUSON, ESQ. Sir R. FERGUSON, BART. F. MANSFIELD, ESQ. G. YOUNG, ESQ. Sir J. J. BURGOYNE, KNT. The following prisoners were put upon their trial:
SHEERIN John Indicted for a Rape on the body of CATHERINE MEEHAN - Guilty ... but recommended to mercy. To be imprisoned one week PORTER Sarah Charged on two counts, one for passing base coin on MR. McCORMICK of Donegal, the other, for fraudulently procuring base and counterfeit coin for the purpose of passing it ... Guilty, to be imprisoned one year and kept to hard labour McCARTHY Catharine For stealing 32 yards of cotton cloth, value £1 1s 4d. Guilty, to be imprisoned 6 months and kept to hard labour BARTON Catharine For stealing a piece of woollen cloth from WILLIAM McDONAGH of Ballybofey, Guilty. To be transported seven years BROCK Charles For fraudulently combining, uttering and passing, base Sovereigns to the amount of 15. Not guilty of the conspiracy, but guilty of passing the Sovereigns. His Lordship in this case, mentioned that he regretted that from the Act under which the prisoners were indicted, it was only in his power to imprison them for 6 months McCABE Charles McPHERSON James For stealing a quantity of yarn, linen cloth, 4 shirts and 2 sheets. JAMES MCPHERSON Guilty. To be imprisoned 6 months and kept to hard labour, and MARY MCPHERSON not Guilty McPHERSON Mary NELSON James For stealing 12 blankets from the barrack master’s store at Lifford, on the 6th of September last. JOHN MULLEN sworn ... Remembers the 6th of September last; rose about two o’clock that morning; was going to the mountain to gather turf; is a servant to JAMES RISK of Lifford. [Details of trial with statements also from JAMES RISK and WILLIAM POWELL, Barrack Master of Strabane District ] - Not Guilty DEENEY Hugh For having wilfully and maliciously set on fire the dwelling house of FRANCIS GALLAGHER. [Statements from NELLY GALLAGHER, MARY GALLAGHER, FRANCIS GALLAGHER, SIR JAMES STEWART (Magistrate) and F. MANSFIELD, ESQ. and for the Defence - HANNAH McCORMICK and WILLIAM DEENEY] The Jury having retired for some time returned a verdict of Guilty, recommending the prisoner to mercy. - Death recorded GILLEN Hugh Indicted for that they on the 8th of April last, did set fire to and burn a dwelling house, the property of the late SIR SAMUEL HAYES. [Lengthy details of the trial are reported] GILLEN Edward BOYLE Charles (The remainder of this and other Trials will be given in our next)
April 1 1828
DONEGAL ASSIZES (Continued from our last)
GILLEN Hugh Indicted for that they on the 8th of April last, did set fire to and burn a dwelling house, the property of the late SIR SAMUEL HAYES [Evidence from DANIEL CANNON, ANNE GALLAGHER, JOHN STEWART & CAPTAIN TAYLOR. Reference to ‘JOHN CANNON is in America’] His Lordship in charging the Jury said, that from the contradictory state of the evidence for the Crown, it was impossible for them to return any other verdict than that of Not Guilty; accordingly the Jury without leaving the box, returned a verdict of Not Guilty GILLEN Edward BOYLE Charles MILLER William Charged with having, with JAMES MILLER; beat, battered, and abused THOMAS LOCKHART, on the 19th of January last, in consequence of which he died [WILLIAM MILLER’S father lives about three miles from Letterkenny....the MILLERS had been at MR LITTLE’S Mill getting meal ground. Evidence from ROBERT BOGLE, EDWARD HARLEY & ROBERT McGHEE] His Lordship in recapitulating the evidence, remarked, that from the first, it appeared that the deceased was the instigator of the unhappy affair, that had taken place, he having been the person who gave the first blow, and that the blow given by James was in defence of his brother. His Lordship said, that if JAMES MILLER was in custody, that he could only be indicted for manslaughter -- and he thought for that offence he could not be found Guilty, therefore, his Lordship thought the Jury were entitled to acquit the prisoner. The Jury returned a verdict of not Guilty
SHARKEY E. Indicted for entering between the hours of 10 at night and 2 o’clock morning, and taking from the house of MARGARET CROW, a quantity of wearing apparrel, &c. Not Guilty of the Burglary but Guilty for having the goods in her possession. His Lordship in addressing the prisoner remarked that she had a very narrow escape. ‘Had you,’ said his Lordship, ‘been convicted of the Burglary ~~ and no doubt but you would have been so, had there been sufficient evidence, you would have forfeited your life.’ His Lordship sentenced the prisoner to be transported for seven years SWEENY Manus For stealing from the person of JAMES DOHERTY, three pounds in silver and one pound note - Not Guilty DAVIS John Charged with having on the night of the 17th of October last, rioted and entered on the lands of Drimminaught, the property of WIDOW McMONAGLE, and did and there, destroy 4 stacks of Hay, her property, by throwing it into the river Swilly. Submitted His Lordship addressed the prisoners ........ JOHN MERCER, you were turned out of this land for non-payment of rent, and such was the spirit of you and your confederates, that you deprived a poor and unprotected widow of her right by maliciously destroying her property . ........ The sentence therefore, of the Court is, that you, JOHN MERCER, be confined for Twelve months, and find security to be of good behaviour; and in consideration of the rest of the prisoners being induced by you, JOHN and STEWART DAVIS, and GEORGE SWEENY, are only to be imprisoned 3 months, and FRANCIS DAVIS to be discharged
SWEENY George MERCER John DAVIS Francis DAVIS Stewart BOYCE Patrick For Cow stealing. Not Guilty O’DONNELL John For stealing a piece of Cloth off a Green, the property of MARGARET OSBURN - Guilty His Lordship in passing sentence, observed, that it was a pity a person possessed of so much talent, had the misfortune to be charged with theft, and not having the power to apply the talent to a better purpose. Therefore to prevent him from exercising such a talent in future in a similar way, he would transport him for seven years. The prisoner on leaving the Bar turned round and exclaimed, “Devil may care, it’s nothing but a cobbler’s apprenticeship any way”
His Lordship on Monday ordered ELEANOR SHARKEY who was sentenced to be transported for seven years, for stealing from MARGARET CROW, a quantity of goods, to be brought forward. His Lordship said, that since she was sentenced, and on consideration of her case, he had came to the determination to imprison her only for six months, and to be kept to hard labour. The prisoner on hearing this, fell down on her knees and returned her most sincere thanks to his Lordship, for his humanity
JAMES NELSON, who was tried for breaking open, and stealing from the Barrack-Store, at Lifford, a quantity of Blankets, and found not Guilty, was brought forward on Monday, he having been detained in Gaol by order of the Court. His Lordship addressed him. JAMES NELSON you have had by the verdict of a humane Jury, a most merciful escape from forfeiting your life. I have been informed that, since and before your trial, in the Gaol, you have had the audacity to say, that as soon as you be released, that you will have revenge on a most respectable gentleman of this neighbourhood, who was the means of having you taken up for the robbery of which you have been found by the Jury, Not Guilty. Therefore, to prevent you from putting into execution your wicked designs and from quarrelling with any person in future, (you being as I understand, a quarrelsome man,) you are to find security to keep the peace to all his Majesty’s subjects for the space of 7 years, particularly to that most respectable Gentleman, MR. WILLIAM SPENCE. Yourself in £100 and two sureties in £25 each
Donegal Assizes held at Lifford Jul 1828
August 5, 1828
On Thursday last, the Assizes for the County of Donegal, commenced at Lifford. The Hon. Justice VANDELEUR, having presided in the Crown Court, the following Gentlemen were sworn on the GRAND JURY:
Col. CONOLLY, Foreman
Sir J. STEWART, BART. D. CHAMBERS, ESQ. Sir E. S. HAYES, BART. D. TODD, ESQ. Sir A. CHICHESTER, BART. W. WRAY, ESQ. Alex. STEWART, ESQ. ,M. P. R. W. NESBITT, ESQ. John HAMILTON, ESQ. J. JOHNSTON, ESQ. R. MONTGOMERY, JUN. ESQ. H. BABINGTON, ESQ. J. HARVEY, ESQ. R. McCLINTOCK, ESQ. G. YOUNG, ESQ. T. J. ATKINSON, ESQ. J. PRATT, ESQ. A. FERGUSON, ESQ. William STEWART, ESQ. Sir J. J. BURGOYNE, KNT. C. GAGE, ESQ. Ralph YOUNG, ESQ. The Court then proceeded to try the following prisoners:
GLENDENNING Eleanor For stealing a grey cloak; to be transported seven years MEENAN Pat. For stealing a shirt - Not Guilty BOYLE William For stealing woollen cloth - Not Guilty KELLY Edward Charged with having, on the 22nd of June last, stabbed CONNEL KELLY with a grape. [A lengthy report of the trial continues] The Jury without leaving the box, returned a verdict of guilty DONNELLY James For stealing wearing apparel, at Ballindreat, Guilty. - To be imprisoned six months and kept to hard labour GALLAGHER Hugh An 11 year old, for sheep stealing. The prisoner pleaded Guilty The prisoner, on being asked by the Court, if he knew the consequence of pleading guilty to a charge of sheep stealing - or if he knew that the punishment of the crime was transportation? Replied in the negative. He then pleaded not guilty
It appeared in evidence, that the prisoner had been connected with some persons in the neighbourhood, where he had stolen the sheep, and that he had offered them for sale for the sum of twelve shillings - Guilty. To be Transported seven yearsCOYLE P. For having, on the 25th February last, knocked down DANIEL McFADDEN, against the wheel of a cart, from which he died. - Not Guilty HARLEY Condy For burning a stack-yard -Not Guilty BRADDEN Dennis HILL Noble GALLAUGHER Michael For stealing a barrel- Not Guilty McMULLION Alice Vagrant - Not Guilty McLAUGHLIN Hugh For obstructing Revenue Police To be imprisoned 6 Months, and kept to hard labour GALLAGHER Owen GALLAGHER Edward NELSON Sarah For stealing flannel from Manus Bonar - Discharged by Proclamation POHART Harriet For being Vagrants. Discharged by Proclamation CALLAGHAN Anne AIKENS Jane McGURGGAN Andrew for stealing a Roll of Tobacco - Discharged by Proclamation McCALLION Bryan Committing a Rape. - Discharged by Proclamation McGINLEY Hugh for administering Poison to Catherine McGarvey - Not Guilty GRAHAM Alexander HUNTER Alexander McKENNY Patrick, (alias The Creeper) Vagrant - To be Transported for seven years, unless he find security within 6 months for good behaviour Twelve persons, charged with illicit distillation - Sentenced to pay a fine of £2 or to be imprisoned one month
Donegal Assizes held at Lifford Mar 1829
Tuesday, March 31 1829
DONEGAL ASSIZES HELD AT LIFFORD
The following prisoners were put to their trials:
FLANNIGAN Peter Indicted for stealing wearing apparel - Guilty. To be transported seven years TINNY John Indicted for stealing a quantity of oats, which had been under seizure for rent - Not Guilty McDAID Michael Charged with stealing from CHARLES MURRAY, a pocket-book, containing £5, - Not Guilty McLAUGHLIN Charles For uttering forged notes of the Bank of Ireland, amounting to £3 - Guilty. To be transported 14 years FLYNN James Charged with using seditious expressions, and drinking certain toasts against the King and Government - No prosecution DOYLE John KENNEDY James McDERMOTT John O’BRIEN Hugh FERRY Bernard FERRY Collum MURPHY Daniel For uttering and passing to ISABELLA FINLAY, a forged Bank of Ireland Note - Not Guilty ROGAN P GALLAUGHER Charles Charged with aiding and assisting in an assault on OWEN McCAFFERTY. - To give security to appear next assizes CUFF (alias JACKSON) Margaret Indicted for stealing a quantity of cotton cloth, the property of JOHN McGUIRE, value 4 shillings. To be imprisoned one year, and kept to hard labour HARAUGHY Matty Charged with robbing the bleach green of JOHN JOHNSTON, ESQ. of a piece of linen cloth - Guilty. To be imprisoned three months, and kept to hard labour McDAID John Indicted for burglariously breaking the windows of WILLIAM SPROULL knocking him down with a stone, and stealing his signboard, to be imprisoned one month McDAID Pat For aiding, abetting, and assisting JOHN McDAID, in committing a rape on MARGARET McMONIGLE. - To give security for his appearance at next Assizes DOHERTY James Indicted for stealing a horse, the property of DANIEL BOUVAIRD. Not Guilty McGRAW Marcus For feloniously carrying away from the house of JAMES CALLAGHAN, a new coat and breeches. To give security to appear at Sessions CAULFIELD Denis Indicted for feloniously breaking open and robbing the shop of JAMES CONNOR, of Ballybofey, on the morning of the 10th of March, and taking therefrom one pound note and twenty shillings of silver - Not Guilty MOORE Ann Indicted for stealing a quantity of wearing apparel, the property of MARY KING, value 10shillings and upwards - Guilty. To be transported seven years GALLAUGHER Margaret Indicted for stealing two geese, the property of JAMES PATTERSON - Not Guilty McGOWAN Brian For receiving stolen goods - to appear at next Assizes HARKIN Catharine For stealing wearing apparel - Not Guilty HARKIN Patrick GALLAUGHER James Indicted for stealing timber - To be imprisoned three months, and kept to hard labour GALLAUGHER Catharine Charged with stealing a cow - Not Guilty FLAGHERTY Bridget Donegal Assizes held at Lifford 25 Aug 1829
Tuesday, August 25 1829
On Tuesday last, the Assizes for the County of Donegal commenced at Lifford, Judge PENNEFATHER in the Crown Court; the following Grand Jury were sworn:
Gen. George V. Hart, M.P. Foreman
Earl MOUNTCHARLES, M. P.
William STEWART, ESQ.
E. M. CONOLLY, ESQ.
Conolly GAGE, ESQ.
Lord Viscount CLEMENTS, M. P.
Daniel CHAMBERS, ESQ.
Sir James STEWART, BART.
Andrew FERGUSON, ESQ.
Thomas BROOKE, ESQ.
Richard W. NESBITT, ESQ.
Robert MONTGOMERY, ESQ.
John HARVEY, ESQ.
A. R. STEWART, ESQ. M.P.
Daniel TODD, ESQ.
Col. A. CHICHESTER, M. P.
George YOUNG, ESQ.
Sir T. C. STYLE, BART.
T. J. ATKINSON, ESQ.
Sir R. A. FERGUSON, BART.
James JOHNSTON, ESQ.
James SINCLAIR, ESQ.
Sir J. J. BURGOYNE, Knt.
KAIN
Anne
For breaking the windows of the house of JAMES TAYLOR, ESQ. and stealing the window blinds; value 6 pence - discharged
DONNEL William Stealing a quantity of Fish; value Two pounds sterling and upwards - Guilty, to be imprisoned four months, and kept to hard labour McCLELAND Robert DONGAN John Assault on ANNE McHUGH, alias HARKIN, of which she died - Not Guilty, discharged GARTLEY John Having neglected and refused to go home, after the REV. EDWARD HAMILTON had read the Riot Act to a mob rioting in the town of Ballintra; Guilty, to be imprisoned three months, and hard labour CARRON Hugh CLEARY Frank McMULLION Alice Vagrant - discharged SLEAVIN Francis Robbing JOHN McELROY of £1 7s. 7½d. and PAT. FLANNAGAN of £2 ?s. 9d. on the night of the 17th April last - Transported seven years HAGAN Juda Charged with having stolen a web - Discharged CANE Biddy SITTS Thomas Were accused of felony under Act 16th Geo IV. passed for the protection of persons employed by the Customs, when in the execution of their duty; also for assault and riot. [full details of trial are reported] DUNCAN John The jury, after a little deliberation, found both prisoners not guilty McDIVATT (alias McELLOON) Bridget Charged with having, on the 7th May last, stolen from the shop of the deceased father of PATRICK O’DONNELL, in Ardara, upwards of £70 in bank bills, money, and securities. The evidence against the poor woman was as defective as can well be imagined; indeed, the circumstances detailed in evidence were perfectly incompatible with the fact of her guilt, and she was acquitted without the least hesitation Donegal Assizes held at Lifford Mar 1830
Tuesday, April 6, 1830
DONEGAL ASSIZES HELD AT LIFFORD WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31 1830
At 9 o’clock this morning, Judge JEBB entered the Crown Court, and the following persons were put to their trial:
MARLEY Edward For stealing a calf, the property of THOMAS JOHNSTON - Not guilty GALLAGHER Patrick For stealing a mare at Carrickmagorran, the property of ANDREW LONG, on the 18th January last. Andrew Long proved the loss of the mare, which he afterwards found with a person named PATRICK KANE at Dungiven, was perfectly sure of the prisoner. [brief details of trial] His Lordship expressed his strong approbation of the witness’s conduct, and considered him an extremely proper person to keep a house of public entertainment.
After a few words from the learned Judge, the jury found the prisoner guilty - sentence of death recordedKELLY Bernard For taking 3 shillings from the person of CHARLES DOHERTY, in the town of Letterkenny, on the 23rd of October last, guilty - to be transported seven years - The prisoner on receiving his sentence called out, ‘Please your Lordship, I hope you won’t send me over alone.’ HENDERSON (alias McCALGAN) Margaret For stealing diverse articles of wearing apparel, from the shop of JAMES HAYES of Raphoe, on the 28th of August last. MR HAYES proved the fact of the prisoner having stolen the articles from his shop, and on searching her, discovered them on her person. The jury found the prisoner guilty, but on the intercession of Mr Hayes, who had previously known the prisoner, and who gave her a good character, and in consideration of the prisoner having lain 9 months in gaol already, his Lordship only sentenced her to 3 months imprisonment
PHILIPS Robert For stealing a silver watch, the property of WILLIAM McCREA, on the 28th September last, from his house in Ballybofey [short details of trial with evidence from MRS McCREA and JANE HARDING, the servant maid] His Lordship summed up the evidence, and the jury returned a verdict, acquitting both the prisoners
McELWAIN George STEWART James For stealing a quantity of oats, the property of ROBERT LITTLE - not guilty GALLAGHER John, Sen. Charged with maliciously wounding a mare, the property of GEORGE BUSTARD [Evidence from GEORGE and MARY BUSTARD, JAMES HILLY, JAMES O’DONNELL, MARY MURPHY and OWEN HILLY, a little boy The jury returned a verdict of not guilty
GALLAGHER John, Jun. HELFERTY James MOORE Thomas For stealing two sheep, the property of JOHN ADAIR and JAMES BOYLE, at Ardara, guilty KERR Margaret For stealing a purse containing one sovereign and two promissory notes, from ANDREW McBETH, on the 23rd of February, in Lifford. [Mention made of ANDREW McBETH at Strabane market and he had called at MR. LITTLE’S of Lifford on his way home, where he and ANDREW WIER drank a naggin of spirits, on coming out they were met by MARGARET KERR, who caught him by the arm, and looking in his pocket immediately afterwards he found the purse was gone ; looked for prisoner and she was found in the house of JOHN GALLAGHER] The prisoner was found guilty and sentenced to only six months
DOHERTY Eleanor For stealing a bond from NEAL McMULLEN, on the 3rd of January last, at Marshyglen - not guilty BROWN Charles For stealing out of the Distillery of JOHN MORTON, at Lifford, seven gallons of whiskey and seven or eight shillings from his desk in silver, on the 13th September last CHARLES BROWN and CATHERINE O’FARRELL - guilty. To be imprisoned twelve months and kept to hard labour. SARAH McGARRIGLE - not guilty
McGARRIGLE Sarah O’FARRELL Catherine ROARTY Hugh For stealing 10lbs of iron, the property of the Mining Company of Ireland, on the 1st of October, at Kildrum - guilty. To be imprisoned 12 months and kept to hard labour DUFFY Owen For uttering two counterfeit shillings, and CATHERINE DUFFY, for having in her possession 18 counterfeit shillings, knowing them to be such, at Mount Charles, on the 13th of October last - OWEN DUFFY guilty. To be imprisoned six months - CATHERINE DUFFY - not guilty DUFFY Catherine Donegal Assizes held at Lifford Mar 1834
DONEGAL ASSIZES, LIFFORD, Friday, March 14
The Hon. Justice JEBB entered the Crown Court at three o’clock, when the following Grand Jury was impanelled:
Sir E. S. HAYES, BART. M.P., Foreman
Sir James STEWART, BART. J. BATESON, ESQ. J. V. STEWART, ESQ. W. WRAY, ESQ. Joseph PRATT, ESQ. B. G. HUMPHRY, ESQ. John HARVEY, ESQ. Charles JOHNSTON, ESQ. George YOUNG, ESQ. A. HAMILTON, ESQ. R. W. NESBITT, ESQ. A. FERGUSON, ESQ. Charles NORMAN, ESQ. F. MANSFIELD, ESQ. D. CHAMBERS, ESQ. William YOUNG, ESQ. R. McCLINTOCK, ESQ. W. MURDOCK, ESQ. J. J. VERSCHOYLE, ESQ. J. BEERS, ESQ. Thomas J. ATKINSON, ESQ. Henry STEWART, ESQ. Thomas BROOKE, ESQ., High-Sheriff A. McCORKELL, ESQ. Sub-Sheriff The prisoners were then put to their trials:
O’DONNELL Michael For an aggravated assault on OWEN DOHERTY, at Urris, on the 6th day of June, having struck and stabbed him with a sharp instrument, so as to endanger his life. [Details of the trail are reported] His Lordship sentenced the prisoner to six months imprisonment FARGY Samuel For obstructing WILLIAM HEWITT, an Officer of Excise, in the discharge of his duty, on the 6th January, 1833 - Not Guilty DARCUS Samuel SATURDAY MORNING
McSHEE Margaret For stealing 2 Stuff dresses, and 1 Callico dress, the property of MARGARET McADAM, on the 7th day of August last, at Ballyshannon. The loss of the dresses was proved by MISS McADAM, who is a dressmaker; she found one of them on the prisoner three days after - Guilty. To be transported 7 years DOHERTY Rose For having concealed herself in the shop of DAVID CARTER of Ballyshannon, on 21st December last, with intention to steal his goods. Guilty - To be imprisoned 6 months QUIN Peter For horse stealing Not Guilty DONNELL Barney MURRAIN Catharine For stealing a Blue cloak, on the 21st August last, the property of JOSEPH GAMBLE. Guilty - To be imprisoned 6 months BRANDON Francis For being engaged in an Orange Procession on the 12th of August last at Pettigo, for the purpose of celebrating the relief of Derry, contrary to the late Act against processions. The traversers were discharged on their own recognizances of £100 to appear for judgment if called on
KNOX William RANKIN David HUMFREYS Edward McGEE William CONDAN Michael CASHORE Thomas HARRIGAN John Indicted for the murder of JAMES BELL at Raphoe, on the 22nd of June last. [Details of the trial are printed] After a short consultation, the Jury acquitted the prisoner
SWEENY John For breaking a mill, the property of John Hamilton, on the 18th February last. WILLIAM HAZLETT sworn. - Is a Miller and Millwright. In February last was in care of MR. HASTING’S mill; was awoken on the night of the 16th February between 11 and 12 o’clock at night, by the sound of a hatchett striking the wheel of the mill; witness went out and saw John Sweeny cutting at the wheel with a fir hatchett; he had broken three buckets, and part of the wheel; witness asked him why he broke the mill; he said the mill was his own, which witness never knew to be the case; a man named SHIELS had been dispossessed some years before, and the prisoner after his death married his daughter.
THOMAS HASTINGS examined. - The mill is the property of MR. HAMILTON, for whom witness is agent; the mill was held at one time by WIDOW SHEIL, who had been ejected several years for non payment of rent; prisoner is married to Widow Sheils’ daughter; heard prisoner say he would have the premises destroyed, and that he would be a foe to any man who would take the property; a man named GALLAGHER had been about to take the mill, but was deterred in consequence of prisoner’s threats; witness put the mill into Hazlett’s care; saw it injured as described by him.TOAL GALLAGHER examined. - Was deterred from taking the mill, for fear it would be burned.
DANIEL McLAUGHLIN examined. - Recollects the prisoner telling him that if Toal Gallagher would have anything to do with the mill, he would injure him by night or by day - it was after this conversation the mill was injured.Several witnesses were examined in defence, for the purpose of showing that the mill was a disputed property, and that the prisoner had a claim to it.
The jury returned a verdict of guilty. To be imprisoned twelve months, and kept to hard labour.DOHERTY Denis For assaulting HENRY McCULLOW, an Officer of Excise in the discharge of his duty. Also for an assault on a Sub Constable, at Bellekins, on the 5th July last. Guilty. GEORGE DOHERTY and JAMES McGONIGLE to be imprisoned six months, and Denis Doherty, to be imprisoned one month DOHERTY George McGONIGLE James FLANAGAN William For cow stealing - Not Guilty McNAMEE James DOLAN William
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