The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers’ Advocate, Sat 16 Oct 1897 ¹

FRIDAY’S POLICE.

    At the Parramatta Police Court on Friday, before Messrs DD Henderson and Hugh Taylor, JsP, the case against James Morris, of Rookwood, was remanded for a week.

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The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers’ Advocate, Sat 23 Oct 1897 ²

CURRENT NEWS.
————

…

A DISGUSTING CASE.

     The time of the Parramatta Police Court was taken up yesterday by a disgusting case of an offence against nature, which was very properly heard with closed doors. The evidence was of a disgusting nature, and the ARGUS, in the interest of public morality, declines to publish it either wholly or partially, as no possible good could come from such course. Suffice it to say that prima facie case was made out and the accused, a young man named James Morris, was committed for trial.
…

THE GAOL.

    Further development have taken place since our last issue with respect to the governorship of the Parramatta gaol. Mr Barnett, we understand, has strongly urged the acceptance of his offer to go to Bathurst, and the Comptroller has fallen in with his wishes. Mr G Stace, Gaoler at Bathurst, will exchange places with Mr Barnett, probably early next week.

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Evening News, Tue 30 Nov 1897 ³

PARRAMATTA QUARTER
SESSIONS.
————

    The jury case of James Morris. Charged with a shocking offence, after a short retirement brought in a verdict of guilty, and the accused was remanded for sentence.

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The Sydney Morning Herald, Tue 30 Nov 1897 ⁴

PARRAMATTA QUARTER SESSIONS.
(Before Judge Murray.)

    Mr AW Dawson acted as Crown Prosecutor, and Mr HS Hawkins as clerk of the peace.

NEW MAGISTRATE.

    Henry Thomas Johnston, of Dundas, was sworn in as a justice of the peace.

JURORS FINED.

    Thomas Irons was fined £2 for non-attendance as a juror.
…

ASSAULT.

    James Morris, 18, was charged with having on October 6, 1897, at Rookwood, assaulted a boy. The jury found him guilty; and he was sentenced to seven year’s penal servitude.

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The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers’ Advocate, Sat 4 Dec 1897 ⁵

PARRAMATTA QUARTER SESSIONS.
————
Monday, November 29.
(Before Judge Murray.)

    Mr AW Dawson acted as Crown Prosecutor, and Mr HS Hawkins as Clerk of the Peace.
    Henry Thomas Johnstone, of Dundas, was sworn in as a Justice of the Peace.
    Thomas Irons was fined £2 for non-attendance as a juror.
…

AN UNNATURAL OFFENCE.

    James Morris (18) was charged that he did on the 6th October, 1897 at Rookwood, assault a boy named Arthur Victor Johnston [aka Arthur Victor Johnstone] and did commit an unnatural offence [buggery].

    Accused pleaded not guilty.

    The case was of so revolting a character that, in the interests of public morality, we do not publish the evidence—with the following exception.

    Evidence of identification was submitted, and the child Johnston described the assault.

    Accused gave evidence on his own behalf. When he saw Constable Trevillian at Guildford he asked the boy if witness was the boy and he said “No.” On the day of the alleged offence he went to Cornwall’s slaughter house to get some money. Did not see the boy.

    Accused addressing the jury said, “I tell you I’m not guilty.”

    His Honor in summing up said the only question for the jury was the question of identification and whether from the evidence they were assured beyond all reasonable doubt that the accused was the man. The boy’s evidence on the point was very plain and he had no doubt whatever either at the time of the arrest or now.

    The jury retired to consider their verdict, and, after a short retirement, returned a verdict of guilty.

    In reply to His Honor Constable [Richard] Trevillian said he did not think the accused was of weak intellect. He gave no signs of such a weakness but said when arrested that he would make witness “sit up” for arresting him.

    His Honor, addressing the prisoner, said he had been convicted of the most disgusting and disgraceful offence possible for a human being to commit. There was only one punishment for such an offence and that was a punishment he had no power to impose. If he had, the prisoner might be at liberty in a very short time, but never at liberty to commit a similar offence, because he would be physically incapable of committing such an offence. It was a scandal that this country had not adopted a law similar to the American law which made full provision for such cases. It was not right to punish such a crime by a long imprisonment, when the proper punishment would prevent the possibility of its repetition. But Judges were not to make the law—only to administer it, and unfortunately the persons who did make the law allowed silly sentiment to interfere with their duty. He must pass a long sentence and he sentenced prisoner to 7 years’ penal servitude.

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James Morris, Gaol photo sheet ⁶

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Gaol Photo Sheet - Transcribed Details

No. 598
Parramatta

Date when Portrait was taken: December 1897

Name: James Morris

Native place: B.C. Croydon Year of birth: 1880 Arrived       Ship: in Colony }   Year: B.C. Trade or occupation previous to conviction  } Labourer Religion: C of E Education, degree of: R & W Height: 5' 7¾" Weight     On committal: 134 lbs in lbs     } On discharge: Colour of hair: Light Brown Colour of eyes: Grey

Marks or special features: Nil

(No. of previous Portrait ... )  CONVICTIONS
Where and When				Offence.	Sentence
Parramatta Q.S	29	11	1897	Sodomy	7 Years P.S.

 

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¹     The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers’ Advocate (Parramatta), Sat 16 Oct 1897, p. 1.

²     The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers’ Advocate (Parramatta), Sat 23 Oct 1897, p. 4.

³     Evening News, (Sydney, NSW), Tue 30 Nov 1897, p. 6.

⁴     The Sydney Morning Herald, Tue 30 Nov 1897, p. 3.

⁵     The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers’ Advocate (Parramatta), Sat 4 Dec 1897, p. 7. Emphasis added.

⁶     SRNSW: NRS2397, [3/6010], Parramatta photographic description book, 1880-1930, No. 598, p. 13, R5137.

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