Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Fri 24 Jan 1908 1
NEWCASTLE POLICE COURT.
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Thursday, January 23.
(Before Mr GF Scott, SM.)
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A SERIOUS CHARGE.
George Burns, 63, steward, was proceeded against on a charge of improper assault at Newcastle, on January 22. Sub-inspector Brennan prosecuted. Accused was undefended. Evidence having been given, Burns, who was arrested on the previous night by Constable W McVicar, was committed for trial at Newcastle Quarter Sessions on February 11th. Bail was allowed, self in £80, and two sureties of £40 each, or one in £80.
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Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Wed 12 Feb 1908 2
QUARTER SESSIONS.
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The February sittings of the Court of Quarter Sessions were commenced at the Newcastle Courthouse yesterday. His Honor, Judge Fitzhardinge, presided. Mr BB O’Conor was Crown Prosecutor, Mr Hudson Berkeley was Deputy Sheriff, and Mr JH Hassall, Clerk of Arraigns.
When the jurors were called, John Brown did not answer. Mr GW Millard (Messrs Sparke and Millard) said he wished to explain the reason of Mr Brown’s absence. His Honor said the juror should be present, and for non-attendance he was fined 40s. The fine would be increased if the juror were not present on the following day. In regard to the non-attendance of Joseph Longworth, Mr Cowan presented a certificate from Dr Cox. His Honor said he would need some evidence. Later, Mr Brown appeared, and explained that it was necessary for him to attend a mining conference on Wednesday. His Honor excused him from attendance on Wednesday, but said the fine for non-attendance that morning must stand.
In regard to the case of William Burt, who was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment in 1906, and who had not complied with the condition of the recognisance which had been imposed when the sentence was suspended under the section of the Crimes Act referring to first offenders, Mr Gough, sheriff’s officer, stated that Burt had not yet been found. His Honor struck the matter out.
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ACCUSED DISCHARGED.
George Burns was charged with having, at Newcastle, on 22nd January, 1908, committed a serious offence, [indecent assault on Arthur Thurson, aka etc]. He pleaded not guilty. Evidence for the prosecution was given by Constable McVicar and Arthur Thuresen [aka Thurson; Thureson]. Burns gave evidence in his own behalf, and, in regard to character, called Rev Louis Ives. The jury, after retiring for half an hour, returned a verdict of not guilty, and Burns was discharged.
1 Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Fri 24 Jan 1908, p. 7.
2 Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Wed 12 Feb 1908, p. 7. Emphasis added.