Charles James Prescott, 1911
Below also see: Charles Prescott, 1913,
Charles Prescott, 1915 – Indecent exposure,
Charles James Prescott, 1920 – Indecent assault,
Charles Prescott, 1921 Indecent exposure,
Charles Prescott, 1923,
William James George, 1927
The Maitland Daily Mercury, Mon 28 Aug 1911 1
LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.
———◦———
…
POLICE COURT.
The bench at the West Maitland Police Court this morning was occupied by Messrs TCK McKell, PM. And JW Pender, JP.
…
Charles James Prescott was charged with wilful and obscene exposure in High-street on Saturday evening last. Sub-inspector Bear stated that it was a most glaring case. In a list of previous convictions against defendant were five for the same offence. Defendant was sentenced to six months’ hard labour in Maitland Gaol.
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Charles James Prescott, Gaol photo sheet 2
![SRNSW: NRS2327, [3/5989], Maitland Gaol photographic description book, 1875-1930, No. 1589, p. 156, R5131.](../../images/trials/1915-Prescott-5989-gaol-photo-1589.jpg "SRNSW: NRS2327, [3/5989], Maitland Gaol photographic description book, 1875-1930, No. 1589, p. 156, R5131.") |
Gaol Photo Sheet - Transcribed Details
No. 1589
Maitland
Date when Portrait was taken: 2nd Dec 1911
Name: Charles James Prescott
(aka Charles Watson)
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Native place: NSW Year of birth: 23-4-1870 Arrived Ship: Trade or occupation Religion: C of E Education, degree of: R & W Height: 5' 4¾" Weight On committal: 136 Colour of hair: Brown Colour of eyes: Blue |
Marks or special features: Scar and two moles on left wrist. Scar on right thumb. Scar on nose. Scar on right side of forehead |
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(No. of previous Portrait ... ) CONVICTIONS |
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Where and When |
Offence. |
Sentence |
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West Maitland PC Newcastle PC Kurri Kurri PC (Charles Watson) West Maitland PC Kurri Kurri PC Cessnock PC West Maitland PC |
5 21 22
30 24 9 28 |
10 10 7
4 5 9 8 |
1903 1904 1905
1906 1909 1909 1911 |
Wilfully and obscenely expose person Wilfully & obscenely expose person Unlawful assault
Indecent behaviour Expose his person Wilfully & obscenely expose person Wilfully & obscenely expose person |
2 months HL 2 months HL £5 or 2 months HL
7 days HL £10-2-6 or 4 months HL 3 months HL 6 months HL |
Charles Prescott, 1913
Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Fri 23 May 1913 3
NEWCASTLE POLICE COURT.
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Thursday, May 22.
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(Before Mr TCK McKell, SM)
———
…
Charles Prescott (40), a miner, for having behaved in an offensive manner in Langford-street, was fined £2, and was also ordered to find sureties, self in £10 and one other in a like amount, that he would be of good behaviour for twelve months, in default one month’s imprisonment, with hard labour.
Charles Prescott, 1915 – Indecent exposure
The Maitland Daily Mercury, Fri 26 Mar 1915 4
LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.
———◦———
…
POLICE COURT.
At the West Maitland Police Court this morning, before Mr WB Geddes, JP, Charles James Prescott, was charged with having wilfully and obscenely exposed himself in High-street. On the application of the police a remand was granted until the 29th instant, bail being allowed—self in £20, and one surety in £20.
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The Maitland Daily Mercury, Mon 29 Mar 1915 5
WEST MAITLAND POLICE
COURT.
———◦———
Monday, March 29.
————
The bench at West Maitland Police Court to-day was occupied by Mr CH Gale, PM.
…
FURTHER REMAND.
Charles James Prescott, on remand, on a charge of having exposed himself in High-street, was further remanded till the 1st instant. Bail was allowed, self in £20, and one surety in £20.
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Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Tue 30 Mar 1915 6
POLICE COURT.
Mr CH Gale, PM, occupied the Bench at the West Maitland Police Court, yesterday.
Charles James Precott appeared on remand, on a charge of having been guilty of improper behaviour in High-street. He was again remanded until April 1st bail, self in £20, and one surety in £20.
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Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Fri 2 Apr 1915 7
BOXING TOURNAMENT.
…
————
At the West Maitland Police Court, yesterday, before Mr CH Gale, PM, Charles James Prescott pleaded guilty to improper behaviour. Sergeant Murray stated that the defendant had a penchant for this particular class of offence, and six similar convictions were already attached to his name, and on the last occasion a sentence of six months was given the man. The magistrate commented strongly on the case, and sentenced Prescott to another six months’ imprisonment.
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Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Tue 12 Oct 1915 8
NEWCASTLE POLICE COURT.
———◦———
Monday, October 11.
———
(Before Mr FG Adrian, SM)
…
AN EXEMPLARY SENTENCE.
Charles Prescott (40), miner, pleaded guilty to improper conduct in the presence of women in a shelter shed on the Newcastle Beach on Saturday. Detective Surridge recited the facts, and the magistrate remarked that there were no less than four convictions against defendant for a similar offence, besides convictions for other offences against decency. He had to protect the public against this sort of thing, and could not impose less than the maximum sentence of six months’ imprisonment with hard labour in Maitland Gaol.
Charles James Prescott, 1920 – Indecent assault
The Illawarra Mercury, Sat 27 Feb 1920 9
QUARTER SESSIONS.
————
Monday.—
(Before his Honor, Judge White).
————
…
Charles James Prescott was charged with indecently assaulting Alice May Taylor at Helensburgh on December 13th, 1919, she being of the age of 10 years and three months. There was a second charge of common assault.
Mr Russell appeared for the accused, who pleaded not guilty to the first charge, but pleaded guilty to the charge of common assault.
Mr Dawson, Crown Prosecutor, accepted this plea, and a jury was not empanelled.
Mr Russell pointed out that from the depositions taken in the lower court it would appear that the accused was in a muddled state of drink at the time. He is a married man, aged 50, and has a daughter 18 years of age, and was known to be very kind to children, often giving them money.
His Honor: I am always suspicious of that kind of kindness.
Mr Russel said the accused had served a term at the war and suffered from shell shock.
Inspector Blackbourne said there were six previous convictions against the accused for indecent assault and exposure of the person over the period 1904 to 1915, the sentences ranging from two to six months.
Sergt Loftus said the accused came to Helensburgh about the end of last June, and caused the police no trouble, although a complaint had been made on one occasion about too much familiarity on his part with little children.
His Honor said it is perfectly plain that the accused is a sexual pervert. Sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment in Grafton gaol.
Charles Prescott, 1921 – Indecent exposure
Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Thu 29 Dec 1921 10
NEWCASTLE POLICE COURT.
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Wednesday, December 28.
————
(Before Mr W Le Brun Brown, SM.)
…
SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
Charles Prescott (53), miner, was charged with improper conduct on Newcastle beach on December 17. Mr O’Donnell appeared for the defendant. Evidence of the circumstances was given by Constable Ravelli and civilian named Clayton, by whom the defendant was given into custody. Constable Ward, for the prosecution, said that offences of the character of the one with which the defendant was charged were becoming too common, and detection of the offenders was difficult. The defendant pleaded guilty, and was ordered six months’ hard labour in Maitland Gaol. The magistrate, in complimenting the civilian on the action he took in the apprehension of the defendant, said that it was a pity that he had not had a green-hide whip which might have been applied at the same time. Constable Ward said the police also appreciated the action of the civilian in the matter. It was seldom that civilians gave the police any assistance. They would sooner run a mile than do so.
Charles Prescott, 1923
Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Tue 23 Oct 1923 11
NEWCASTLE POLICE COURT.
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Monday, October 23.
————
(Before Mr JWM Laidlaw, SM.)
…
IMPROPER BEHAVIOUR.
Charles Prescott, 55, miner, on bail, was charged with improper behaviour in the Lower Reserve in Watt-street. The circumstances were explained by Sergeant Ward, and were not disputed by the defendant, who stated he was drunk at the time of the offence. He was fined £5 or two months’ imprisonment. In addition, he was ordered to find a surety in £20 to be of good behaviour for six months, in default, three months’ imprisonment.
Defendant: Can I have time to pay?
The magistrate: No.
On another charge, that of being drunk, the defendant was fined 20s or seven days’ imprisonment.
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Charles James Prescott, Gaol photo sheet 12
![SRNSW: NRS2467, [3/6102], State Penitentiary photographic description book, 16 Oct 1919-2 Mar 1920, No. 17007, p. –.](../../images/trials/1915-Prescott-6102-gaol-photo-17007.jpg "SRNSW: NRS2467, [3/6102], State Penitentiary photographic description book, 16 Oct 1919-2 Mar 1920, No. 17007, p. –.") |
Gaol Photo Sheet - Transcribed Details
No. 17007
Date when Portrait was taken: 25-2-1920
Name: Charles James Prescott
(aka Charles Watson, Charles Cook)
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Native place: Wingen NSW Year of birth: 23-4-1870 Arrived Ship: Trade or occupation Religion: C of E Education, degree of: R & W Height: 5' 5⅛" Weight On committal: 149 Colour of hair: Brown Colour of eyes: Blue
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Marks or special features: Scars on inside left wrist, and on right side of forehead |
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(No. of previous Portrait .. 1589 Maitland) CONVICTIONS |
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Where and When |
Offence. |
Sentence |
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Newcastle PC West Maitland PC Newcastle PC Wollongong Q.S Central PC Newcastle PC ditto Redfern PC |
22 1 11 23 3 28 22 20 |
5 4 10 2 1 12 10 12 |
1913 1915 1915 1920 1921 1921 1923 1926 |
Offensive behaviour Expose person Expose person Assault female Expose person Expose person Drunk Indecent behaviour |
£2 or 21 days HL & sureties or 6 months HL 6 months HL 12 months HL 6 months HL £1. 3. 6 or 7 days HL £5. 3. 6 or months HL. 43/6 or 1 month HL |
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And 7 previous convictions for which See Photo No. as above |
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William James George, 1927
Evening News, Wed 18 May 1927 13
“WENT TO RESCUE
WHEN
SISTER SCREAMED”
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FATAL FIGHT STORY
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SLAYING CHARGE
———
WILLIAM JAMES GEORGE, 22, laborer, was remanded at the Central Court to-day until May 30 on a charge of having feloniously slain Charles James Prescott.
SERGEANT NAPPER said it was alleged that deceased was dragging defendant’s six-year-old sister towards Prince Alfred Park. Defendant heard her scream, and when he interfered, Prescott struck him.
During a fight which ensued, Prescott, the sergeant added, fell and struck his head on the ground. He died shortly afterwards.
Mr Gates, CSM, fixed bail at £50.
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The Sydney Morning Herald, Thu 19 May 1927 14
ALLEGED ASSAULT.
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CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER.
———
William James George, aged 23 years, was charged at the Central Police Court yesterday with having feloniously slain Charles James Prescott.
In asking for a remand until May 30, Sergeant Napper stated that the dead man was alleged to have lured the defendant’s little sister into a park. The defendant heard his sister scream, and went into the park to investigate. A fight ensued, and Prescott was knocked down, and received injuries from which he died four days later in hospital.
Bail of £50 was allowed.
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The Sydney Morning Herald, Tue 31 May 1927 15
ALLEGED ASSAULT.
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FATAL RESULTS.
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MAN PROTECTS SISTER.
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“Unfortunately there are circumstances in this case which do not justify me in finding as I would wish to find, were I able to complete the matter, consequently I must leave the case to be decided by a jury,” said Mr Fletcher (City Coroner) yesterday, in committing William James George, aged 22 years, a labourer, for trial on a charge of manslaughter.
Charles Prescott, aged 56 years, died in the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on May 15 as a result of injuries received five days previously in a fight with the defendant in Cleveland-street, near Prince Alfred Park. Mary Amelia George, defendant’s sister, aged 7 years, gave evidence that, on May 11, a man gave her 1 penny,, and, tasking her by the hand, led her towards the park. Becoming frightened, she screamed, and her mother came up and dragged her away.
Evidence that Prescott had been struck by George, and had fallen to the roadway, striking his head, was given. The dead man’s wife stated that she had been compelled to leave him sixteen years ago owing to his habits. She had had an order out for his arrest in 1925, following his refusal to obey an order for her support. Prescott’s criminal record was produced, showing twelve convictions for indecent behaviour.
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Northern Star, Fri 10 Jun 1927 16
DEFENDED SISTER
—————
MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE FAILS
————
FATAL BLOW
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DEATH OF HUMAN SATYR
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Sydney, Thursday.
The trial of William James George (23), a labourer, who was charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of Charles Prescott at Redfern on May 12, lasted 20 minutes at the Central Criminal Court to-day. The jury acquitted George without hearing evidence after listening to the address of the Crown Prosecutor.
Mr McKean said that George heard his sister, aged six years, screaming and saw Prescott holding her by the hand. Prescott had formed the intention of inducing the girl to the park by giving her a penny. George ran to the rescue, struck Prescott, and rescued his little sister. After having been struck Prescott fell and died three days later from a fracture of the skull. George gave himself up to the police.
Mr McKean said it was unfortunate for accused that the blow which he had delivered should have had a fatal result as Prescott had a thin skull.
“Prescott had made a hobby of indecency,” concluded the Crown Prosecutor, “and in the circumstances I think the blow was thoroughly justified, and it was what you or I or any pother decent man would have done.”
Constable Hayes stated that Prescott had at least a dozen convictions for indecency, the last of which concerned a little girl.
The jury stated they did not want to hear any evidence and accused was found not guilty and discharged.
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The Sydney Morning Herald, Fri 10 Jun 1927 17
CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT.
(Before Mr Justice Campbell.)
Crown Prosecutor, Mr LJ McKean.
ACQUITTED.
William James George, 23, labourer, was charged with feloniously slaying Charles Prescott, at Camperdown, on May 15. Mr Paterson (instructed by Mr WM Niland) appeared for the accused.
The Crown Prosecutor, said that the deceased was a man of bad character, who made it a habit of acting indecently, and on May 12, he was wandering around Redfern near Cleveland-street. George had a little sister six years of age, and while talking to a man named Joseph Nugent, he heard the scream of a little girl, and saw Prescott holding his sister by the hand and taking her into a neighbouring park. He ran after the man and struck him, and, falling, the deceased received a fracture of the skull, and was removed to the hospital where he died three days afterwards. It was unfortunate, said the Crown Prosecutor, that the blow should have had that effect, but it was throughly justifiable, and what anyone would have done in the circumstances. The accused gave himself up to the police as soon as he heard of the man’s death.
Constable Hayes said that the deceased had at least a dozen convictions for indecent offences.
At this stage, the jury intimated that it did not wish to hear further evidence, and acquitted the accused without leaving the box. The accused was discharged.
1 The Maitland Daily Mercury, Mon 28 Aug 1911, p. 2. Emphasis added.
2 SRNSW: NRS2327, [3/5989], Maitland Gaol photographic description book, 1875-1930, No. 1589, p. 156, R5131.
3 Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Fri 23 May 1913, p. 3.
4 The Maitland Daily Mercury, Fri 26 Mar 1915, p. 4.
5 The Maitland Daily Mercury, Mon 29 Mar 1915, p. 7.
6 Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Tue 30 Mar 1904, p. 6.
7 Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Fri 2 Apr 1915, p. 6.
8 Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Tue 12 Oct 1915, p. 3. Emphasis added.
9 The Illawarra Mercury, Sat 27 Feb 1920, p. 5. Emphasis added.
10 Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Thu 29 Dec 1921, p. 3. Emphasis added.
11 Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Tue 23 Oct 1923, p. 3. Emphasis added.
12 SRNSW: NRS2467, [3/6102], State Penitentiary photographic description book, 16 Oct 1919-2 Mar 1920, No. 17007, p. –.
13 Evening News, (Sydney, NSW), Wed 18 May 1927, p. 13. Emphasis in original text and added.
14 The Sydney Morning Herald, Thu 19 May 1927, p. 8. Emphasis added.
15 The Sydney Morning Herald, Tue 31 May 1927, p. 10. Emphasis added.
16 Northern Star (Lismore, NSW), Fri 10 Jun 1927, p. 5.
17 The Sydney Morning Herald, Fri 10 Jun 1927, p. 8.