The Goulburn Herald, Fri 20 Apr 1900 1
GOULBURN ASSIZE COURT
OPENED yesterday morning before his Honor Mr Justice Stephen. Mr WM Jones was judge’s associate; Mr SH Belcher acted as deputy sheriff, and Mr GE Flannery, instructed by Mr W Black of the crown solicitor’s office prosecuted. The other legal gentlemen present were Mr PK White (barrister), and Messrs AM Betts, O’Brien, Sendall, Thomas, and EA Betts of Goulburn, and Millard of Bungendore (solicitors).
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Friday.
His Honor took his seat at ten o’clock.
Messrs Kelynack and Rose (barristers) were in attendance.
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ALLEGED BESTIALITY AT WINGELLO PARK.
William Charles Tickner 2 (17, on bail) was charged with committing an unnatural offence [bestiality ] at Wingello Park on 20th March.
Prisoner pleaded not guilty, and was defended by Mr O’Brien. Four jurors were challenged by prisoner.
Mark Eirth, superintendent for Mr Holt at Wingello Park, deposed that on the morning of 20th March he sent accused to milk, and afterwards he went to the sheep-yards and there saw accused committing the offence complained of.
Constable Ford, stationed at Marulan, deposed that on 28th March in company with Constable Hahesy he arrested accused at Windellama; he admitted that he had left Wingello Park suddenly and gave the reason that Eirth dismissed him for catching hold of a sheep he thought was a straggler.
Constable [Michael] Hahesy cross-examined by Mr O’Brien, deposed that for the three years he had known prisoner he bore a good character, and his family were respectable.
Henry Charles Sieler, farmer, Marulan, deposed that he saw accused on 20th March, and he said that he had been dismissed by Mr Holt because he could not hold the lambs properly.
The crown here reduced the charge to one of attempt.
Accused [William Charles Tickner], residing at Bungonia, went into the witness box, and deposed that after milking he went into the sheep yard to catch a strange sheep, and when he seized it he tripped and fell; he had the sheep by one hind leg; he examined the brand on its back and found it to be Mr Holt’s; he then let it go; he did not attempt to do anything further; before going into the yard witness saw Mr Eirth coming from the house towards the yard, and knew that he was about.
William Wood, auctioneer, Goulburn, deposed that he had known accused for fourteen or fifteen years and he had always borne a good character; he was known to be particularly good to his mother, giving her his wages.
Richard Tickner, farmer, Bungonia, father of the accused, deposed that the boy was always well conducted; since leaving school at twelve he has earned his livelihood and has always given his wages to his mother after clothing himself.
Mr O’Brien addressed the jury, contending that the accused had completely answered the charge.
His Honor briefly summed up, stating that the case depended wholly on the veracity of Eirth. He did not think the case a strong one, but in order to assist the jury he read several rulings as to what amounted to an attempt.
The jury after a brief absence brought in a verdict of acquittal.
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Goulburn Evening Penny Post, Sat 21 Apr 1900 3
GOULBURN CIRCUIT COURT.
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Thursday Afternoon.
BEFORE his Honor Mr Justice Stephen.
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Friday, April 20.
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CHARGE OF BESTIALITY.
William Charles Tickner, aged about 16 years, was charged with bestiality at Wingello Park, near Marulan, on 10th February.
He was defended by Mr H O’Brien.
During the hearing of the case the Crown reduced the charge to one of attempt.
After a retirement of a few minutes the jury returned with a verdict of not guilty and accused was discharged.
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The Sydney Morning Herald, Sat 21 Apr 1900 4
CIRCUIT COURTS.
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Goulburn, Friday.
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OTHER CASES.
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William Charles Tickner, aged 16, charged with an attempted serious offence at Wingello Park, was acquitted. He was defended by Mr O’Brien.
1 The Goulburn Herald, Fri 20 Apr 1900, p. 2. Emphasis added.
2 To view William Charles Tickner’s WWI digital service record go to: www.naa.gov.au – barcode: 8099872.
3 Goulburn Evening Penny Post, Sat 21 Apr 1900, p. 4.
4 The Sydney Morning Herald, Sat 21 Apr 1900, p. 7.