Supreme Court. (Press, 6 January 1875)

On January 5, 1875, under the supervision of Mr. Justice Gresson, criminal proceedings resumed in court. The first case addressed was that of George William Price, who was indicted for stealing a watch and chain from Thomas Clarence Barrett on October 23, 1874. Price pleaded "Not Guilty," and Mr. Duncan acted as the prosecutor for the Crown while Dr. Foster represented the defence. A jury, led by foreman Mr. B. Button, heard the evidence. The prosecutor, Barrett, was reported to have been inebriated at the Golden Age Hotel on the evening of the incident and was advised by the landlord to go home. While leaving with Price, who offered to escort him, Barrett later returned to the hotel missing his watch and chain. Subsequently, on November 16, Price attempted to pawn the items at Cohen's pawn-office, leading to his arrest by Detective Feast, who confirmed that Price was seen with Barrett that night. Other witnesses, including the landlord, corroborated details of the night. However, evidence from Cohen indicated that he had seen Barrett with the watch a week before the theft, raising doubts about Price's guilt. Dr. Foster argued the case for the defence, highlighting inconsistencies in the witness statements. The jury ultimately found Price "Guilty," but with a recommendation for mercy based on his previously good character. Justice Gresson acknowledged this and sentenced Price to three months of imprisonment with hard labour. Another case involved Alexander Clark, charged with committing sodomy in November 1874. He pleaded "Not Guilty" and went undefended. The jury returned a "Guilty" verdict, leading to a severe sentence of ten years' penal servitude, which was compounded by an additional three years for a previous conviction, totalling thirteen years. William Rich was also indicted, charged with fraudulently converting a mare, saddle, and bridle belonging to John Hills, for which he was the bailee. Rich, who was undefended and pleaded "Not Guilty," was found to have sold the mare for £7. After deliberation, the jury convicted him, resulting in a sentence of two years' imprisonment with hard labour. The court proceedings concluded with adjournments set for further sessions.

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