Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Tue 23 Feb 1904 ¹

NEWCASTLE QUARTER SESSIONS
——–—•———–

    The Court of Quarter Sessions was opened at the Newcastle Courthouse yesterday, before his Honor Judge Fitzhardinge. Mr HH Lang (deputy sheriff) occupied a seat on the bench. The legal profession was represented by Messrs AR Watt, R Cowan (barristers) and Messrs WA Reid, AH James, RA Mackenzie, Julian Windeyer, TA Braye, GW Mitchell, and M Cohen, solicitors. Mr JHP Murray prosecuted on behalf of the Crown. Mr JH Hassall, assistant clerk of petty sessions, acted as deputy-clerk of the peace. Sub-inspector McVane had charge of the police in attendance, and Mr R Goble, governor of Maitland Gaol, was also present.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Wed 24 Feb 1904 ²

NEWCASTLE QUARTER SESSIONS
——–—•———–

    The Court of Quarter Sessions concluded its business at the Newcastle Courthouse yesterday. His Honor Judge Fitzhardinge presided. Mr JHP Murray prosecuted on behalf of the Crown.

—————
A SERIOUS OFFENCE.
———
THREE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
———

    John Smith was presented on a charge of assaulting William Loades and William George (each aged 12 years), and with committing an offence at Carrington, on 3rd January. Evidence was given by the boys, by Senior-constable [Robert] Quayle, and by two railway men, named Thomas Wilson and Aubrey Jones. After Dr John Harris had described the nature of the injuries, the accused [John Smith] addressed the jury, denying his guilt. His Honor, in summing up, referred to the fact that the accused had made admissions at the Carrington lockup in the presence of Messrs Jones and Wilson and Senior-constable Quayle. The jury, after five minutes’ consideration, returned with a verdict of guilty. The foreman, Mr John Gilbert, the Mayor of Newcastle, told the judge that the jury desired to commend the actions taken by Thomas Wilson and Aubrey Jones, the railway men. His Honor replied: And I quite concur in your commendation. Messrs Wilson and Jones were then called before the Bench. Addressing them, his Honor said, “The jury have commended you for your conduct and for the manner in which you brought about the arrest of the accused. I endorse that commendation.” The prisoner was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with hard labour at Maitland Gaol. His Honor stated that this sentence was for one offence only—that one having reference to the assault of William George. The Crown Prosecutor applied for a remand on the charge of assaulting William Loades. His Honor remanded the prisoner to the next Quarter Sessions on this charge.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

John Smith, Gaol photo sheet ³

---

Gaol Photo Sheet - Transcribed Details

No. 1351
Maitland

Date when Portrait was taken: 24 March 1904

Name: John Smith
(aka John Cookley)

Native place: Wales Year of birth: 1878 Arrived       Ship: Orient in Colony }   Year: 1903 Trade or occupation previous to conviction  } Labourer Religion: R C Education, degree of: R & W Height: 5' 7⅞" Weight     On committal: 168 in lbs     } On discharge: Colour of hair: Fair Colour of eyes: Blue

Marks or special features: Left: Scar on back of hand in line with thumb. Slight scar on 3rd joint of forefinger. Right: Scar on ball of thumb. Scar inside thumb. Face: Teeth generally bad. Back: White spots between shoulders.

(No. of previous Portrait ... )  CONVICTIONS
Where and When				Offence.	Sentence
Newcastle Q.S	23	2	19004	Sodomy	3 years HL

 

---

¹     Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Tue 23 Jan 1904, p. 3.

²     Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Wed 24 Jan 1904, p. 3. Emphasis added.

³     SRNSW: NRS2327, [3/5988], Maitland Gaol photographic description book, 1875-1930, No. 1351, p. 196, R5130.

---