The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers’ Advocate, Tue 13 Dec 1927 1
QUARTER SESSIONS
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POSTAL OFFICE IN TROUBLE — ECHO OF BAUM CASE — SERIOUS OFFENCE
AGAINST YOUNG GIRL — ACCUSED MAN OF LOW MENTALITY— SONTER SEN-
TENCED — JUDGE FEELS ASHAMED — OLD OFFENDER'S REMORSE — CHARGE
OF MANSLAUGHTER — SEQUEL TO COLLISION — ALLEGED INDECENCY AT BOARDING-
HOUSE — ACCUSED MAN IN WOUNDING CASE REPORTED MISSING
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1898. Image: NSW State Library collection. Reproduction: Peter de Waal
A list of twelve cases confronted the jurymen summoned to the Parramatta Quarter Sessions yesterday.
At the initial glance, a long sitting seemed more than likely. But the situation soon assumed a more favourable aspect—from the jurymen’s point of view.
Three of the accused pleaded guilty, thus shortening the proceedings considerably. Another case had to be postponed because an important Crown witness was suffering from scarlet fever. Added to this was the prospect of yet another case standing over, as the accused person was missing.
Four of the twelve cases were of indecent nature. The other charges included manslaughter, assault and robbery, malicious wounding, false pretences, breaking and entering, and fraud.
Judge Armstrong presided. Mr BV Stacy prosecuted for the Crown.
Angus John McCauley and Jacob Barnes were sworn-in as Justices of the Peace.
…
OLD MAN’S DENIAL
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John Sinnott (78), for whom Mr LW McDonald appeared, pleaded not guilty to a charge involving indecent conduct.
On December 5 the accused was boarding at Mrs Bull’s establishment in Church-street, Parramatta. At 12.30 am that day, the Crown alleged, he committed the offence in the presence of Mrs Bull and her mother-in-law.
Sinnott denied the allegations of the Crown witnesses.
The jury found the accused not guilty, and he was discharged.
1 The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers’ Advocate (Parramatta), Tue 13 Dec 1927, pp. 1, 2.