Singleton Argus, Thu 9 Nov 1905 1
SINGLETON POLICE COURT.
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Tuesday, 7th November, 1905.
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(Before Mr EAL Sharpe, PM.)
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CHARGE OF EXPOSURE.
Thomas McTaggart charged William Ernest McTaggart, jun, with indecent exposure at Darkey Creek on October 12th.
Evidence was given by Thomas McTaggart, who was first cousin to the defendant, and this formed part of the charge against defendant, prior to which a vain attempt at settlement had been made by the solicitors on either side, Mr Shaw appearing for the plaintiff, and Mr Cragg for the defendant.
Annie F Baldwin, a sister of Thomas McTaggart, was called on behalf of the plaintiff, and gave evidence, the PM having the court closed. The evidence generally disclosed a sad state of social affairs among relatives.
After hearing the evidence of Lizzie McTaggart, a sister of Thomas McTaggart, Annie F Baldwin, and Sergeant Whitfield, the accused was committed for trial at the Newcastle Quarter Sessions, on the 27th inst, bail being allowed, self in £80 and two sureties in £40 each.
The PM, at the conclusion of the case, remarked that from the terrible state of social affairs brought to light during the hearing of this case, it was hardly possible to believe that such people lived upon earth, or how they were content to live in such a shocking state of ignorance concerning morality.
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The Budget and Singleton Advertiser, Fri 10 Nov 1905 2
POLICE COURT.
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Monday, 6th November, 1905.
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(Before Messrs AT Cochrane and Dr McDougall, JsP.)
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Tuesday, 13th [sic] November, 1905.
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(Before Mr AEL Sharpe, PM.)
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INDECENT EXPOSURE.
A young man named William Ernest McTaggart pleaded not guilty to a charge of indecent exposure at Darkey Creek on October 12th, 1905.
Mr Shaw appeared for the prosecution, and Mr Cragg for defendant.
His Worship ordered the court to be cleared, and the case was heard with closed doors.
Evidence was given by Thomas McTaggart, Lizzie McTaggart, spinster, and Annie Baldwin, married woman, as to the alleged offence.
This evidence showed very peculiar social life and mental weakness. His Worship remarking, “It is hardly possible to believe that there are such people on the earth, and how they are content to live in such a state.”
Sergeant Whitfield gave evidence as to dates, position of roads leading to accused’s land and elsewhere, also describing distance the women lived from neighbours. He knew nothing against T McTaggart.
Mr Cragg addressed the court on behalf of accused.
His Worship said he would have to commit him for trial.
Accused reserved his defence and was committed to the Newcastle Quarter Sessions, on Monday, the 27th inst. Bail being allowed, self in £80 and two of £40.
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Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Thu 30 Nov 1905 3
QUARTER SESSIONS COURT.
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The sittings of the Quarter Sessions were continued in the Newcastle Courthouse yesterday, before Judge Fitzhardinge and juries
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DISCHARGED.
William Ernest McTaggart, a farmer, residing at Darkie’s Creek, Singleton, was charged with improper behaviour at Darkie’s Creek on October 12th. Mr R Cowan, instructed by Mr Cragg, appeared for accused, who pleaded not guilty. The jury, after a brief retirement, acquitted accused, and he was discharged.
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Singleton Argus, Thu 30 Nov 1905 4
THE MCTAGGART CASE.
It will be remembered that William Ernest McTaggart was committed for trial to Newcastle by the Singleton Bench, on October 12th, upon a charge of alleged indecent exposure at Darkey Creek, Howe’s Valley. Yesterday the case was tried before Judge Fitzhardinge, at the Newcastle Quarter Sessions, accused denying the charge against him. For the defence, additional evidence was given by Stephen Houlahan, grazier, Howe’s Valley, and Arthur Brown, drover, Muswellbrook, while the evidence for the prosecution was similar to that furnished at the Singleton Police Court. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty, and accused was discharged. Mr Cragg appeared for the accused.
1 Singleton Argus, Thu 9 Nov 1905, p. 4.
2 The Budget and Singleton Advertiser, Fri 10 Nov 1905, p. 3.
3 Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Thu 30 Nov 1905, p. 7.
4 Singleton Argus, Thu 30 Nov 1905, p. 2. Emphasis added.