The Bombala Times, Fri 21 Dec 1917 1
SLAUGHTER OF FEMALE STOCK.
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GRATIFYING DIMINUTION.
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At the Cooma Police Court last week. Frederick Hill was charged with having stolen from the residence of Nicholas J Coffey, licensee of the Railway Hotel, the sum of £44. Accused was committed for trial at the Cooma Quarter Sessions to be held on the 20th of March. Bail of self in £100 and sureties of a like amount was granted. Percy William James Mortlock, a lad of about 16 years, was before the Court on a charge of committing an unnatural offence. Evidence was given by Constable Walton, of Jerangle, who deposed of witnessing the offence. Mt Mitchell defended. The Bench committed the accused for trial at the Cooma Quarter Sessions on the 20th March next. Bail in self of £20 and a surety of a similar amount was granted.
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The Cooma Express, Fri 22 Mar 1918 2
QUARTER SESSIONS.
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The Quarter Sessions were opened on Wednesday, Judge Fitzhardinge presiding. Mr F Dawson was Crown Prosecutor.
Fredk Hill was charged with stealing a sum of money from the dwelling house of Nicholas J Coffey. Accused pleaded not guilty, and challenged six jurors. The evidence for the prosecution shewed that the money was taken from a bedroom at the Railway Hotel in November last during the absence of Mr and Mrs Coffey, and the accused was seen entering the room through a window leading from a balcony. The accused gave evidence, stating the he knew nothing of the robbery. After a short retirement the jury returned a verdict of guilty, and sentence of 12 months was passed.
Two youthful offenders pleaded guilty. One was charged with stealing a sum of money from a dwelling house at Delegate and the other [Percy William James Mortlock] with committing an unnatural offence [bestiality] at Jerangle. Both accused were sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, but the sentences were suspended under the First Offenders’ Act on the accused entering into a bond to be of good behaviour for 12 months.
District Court report held over till next issue.
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The Manaro Mercury and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser, Fri 22 Mar 1918 3
COOMA QUARTER SESSIONS.
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Wednesday, March 20 1918
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Before His Honor Judge Fitzhardinge.
Mr AF Dawson acted as Crown Prosecutor, Mr L Shannon, JP, as Deputy Sheriff.
JUROR EXCUSED
Mr EH Litchfield was excused attendance as a juror.
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UNNATURAL OFFENCE
Percy William James Mortlock, aged 16, pleaded guilty to a charge of attempting to commit an unnatural offence at Wangrah on 7th November. Mr F Mitchell appeared for accused.
Constable Jennings, of Berridale, formerly of Jerangle deposed that he had known accused 18 months, and he bore a good character; he appeared to be a bit on the soft and simple side. He worked on the property of about 1000 acres on which were a few sheep, and the main portion of the work developed upon him.
Constable Walton of Jerangle, said the accused bore a good character, but was simple.
His Honor passed sentence of 12 months gaol, which would be suspended under the First Offenders’ Act on accused finding sureties of self £20 and two others in £10 each for his good behaviour for 12 months.
1 The Bombala Times, (NSW), Fri 21 Dec 1917, p. 2. Emphasis added.
2 The Cooma Express, Fri 22 Mar 1918, p. 2. Emphasis added.
3 The Manaro Mercury and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser, Fri 22 Mar 1918, p. 2. Emphasis added.