The Tamworth News and Liverpool Plains and Gwydir Districts’ Advertiser, Tue 1 Apr 1884 1
CRIMINAL CALENDAR.
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CASES for trial at Tamworth Circuit Court, commencing 4th April, as far as is yet known.
Michael Kilfoyle, stabbing with intent to murder committed from Gunnedah.
John Green and Thomas Warring, assault with intent to commit a rape, Quirindi.
Cornelius Ward, horse stealing, Tamworth.
Cornelius Ward, saddle stealing, Tamworth.
Pee Fat (Chinese), attempt to murder, Nundle.
Alfred Addis, cutting and wounding, Manilla.
Thomas Lynch, beastality [sic], Tamworth.
John Whitley, larceny, Tamworth.
Emerson Dickson, stealing from a dwelling, Tamworth.
Gramon Jimmy and Cowball Billy (aboriginals), murder, Moree.
John Wilson Smith, attempt at robbery, Tamworth.
Mary Johnson, cutting and wounding, Manilla.
James Commins, sheep stealing, Walgett.
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The Tamworth Observer and Northern Advertiser, Sat 5 Apr 1884 2
CIRCUIT COURT.
The Circuit Court should have been opened yesterday morning at 10 o’clock by Judge Faucett. From some cause, his Honor did not arrive until the afternoon train came in. Various reasons are given for the Judge’s absence; but these we need not deal with as no doubt, our preeminently respectable contemporary the ‘News,’ which is so intimately associated with the present Minister of Justice, will, with its usual bold and independent honestly, give full particulars as to this lamentable miscarriage of justice. All we propose to do at present is to protest against the bungling which brings a number of people from their homes and occupations for the 4th of the month when their presence will not be required until the 5th. We understand that over 100 witnesses are involved in this Circuit Court. Certainly there are 48 jurymen, each of whom would be liable to a fine of £2, had the Court opened yesterday, and he been absent. But more serious than even the additional cost to the country, or the inconvience [sic] inflicted on the business people, or the absurdity of Gazetting a matter for one day which is to be performed on another, is the fact that prisoners who may be acquitted of the charges against them, are kept in a state of miserable suspense as to their fate, and in goal 24 hours longer than is necessary. For the reason pointed out above, we will not know dwell upon this matter; but the Law Almanac says that Tamworth Circuit Court shall be opened on the 4th April, people from all parts of the district are here to attend, and there ought to be some explanation as to the delay.
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The Tamworth Observer and Northern Advertiser, Wed 9 Apr 1884 3
CIRCUIT COURT.
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TAMWORTH, APRIL 5, 1884.
Before His Honor Judge Faccett, [sic] and juries of twelve.
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After the proclamation against vice had been read, His honor said, “I am sorry I was not able to be here yesterday morning, but important business prevented my being here.”
That was all said about the matter. The Court should have been opened on the 4th. Every window in the place was closed. About 100 persons were in attendance; the new oil cloth on the floor stunk unpleasantly.
Mr CA Coghlan undertook the duties of Crown Prosecutor. The Bar was represented by Mr David Buchanan, Mr Alexander Gordon, jun, and Mr AG Ralston. The local solicitors were in Court occasionally.
…
THOMAS LYNCH.
Was arraigned on a charge of bestiality [with a certain kangaroo dog bitch]. He pleaded not guilty, and asked his Honor “to find him a defence.” His Honor said he had no power to do so.
The prosecution rested on the testimony of one witness, a lad named James McClelland.
The jury returned a verdict in prisoner’s favour, and he was at once discharged.
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The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, Thu 10 Apr 1884 4
TAMWORTH CIRCUIT COURT.
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(Abridged from the Tamworth News.)
This Court opened on Saturday, the 5th instant, before his Honor Mr Justice Fawcett. Mr Coghlan prosecuted.
…
Thomas Lynch, who was arraigned on a charge of having committed an unmentionable offence at Nemingha Flat, on the 6th February, was found not guilty, and was discharged.
1 The Tamworth News and Liverpool Plains and Gwydir Districts’ Advertiser , Tue 1 Apr 1884, p. 2. Emphasis added.
2 The Tamworth Observer and Northern Advertiser, Sat 5 Apr 1884, p. 7.
3 The Tamworth Observer and Northern Advertiser, Wed 9 Apr 1884, pp. 5, 6. Emphasis added.
4 The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, Thu 10 Apr 1884, p. 10.