The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers’ Advocate, Wed 13 Feb 1901 ¹

PARRAMATTA QUARTER SESSIONS.
———◦———
Tuesday, February 12.
(Before His Honor Judge Backhouse.)

    Sixteen cases, including two appeals, were set down for hearing at the Parramatta Quarter Sessions this week, Mr AF Dawson prosecuting on behalf of the Crown.

THE EXEMPTION OF JURORS.

    Mr Frank Farnell and Mr Fyall, of the Taxation Department, were exempted from attendance as jurors. An application by Mr G Ralph to be excused as it was his sale day, was refused. A fine of £5 incurred on a previous occasion by Mr T King was remitted, Mr King not having received his notice.

    C Perry and G Ralph were each fined £2 for non-attendance, when their names were called. Mr Perry’s fine was subsequently remitted.
…

IMBECILE.

    John Mason was charged with committing an offence, [bestiality], at Nelson, NSW, on 15th January last. Accused, who pleaded “not guilty,” was defended by Mr Macaulay.

    Constable Samuel Balfour, stationed at Rouse Hill, gave evidence as to the commission of the offence. Had known accused for about two years and ten months. Considered him different from ordinary people—a bit soft.

    Dr John Gibson, of Windsor, Government Medical officer, deposed that he had examined accused in the Windsor lock-up on January 17th. Came to the conclusion that he was a man of weak intellect, practically imbecile.

    His Honor thought after that, the jury would not want to consider the case further. In accused’s own interest they would find him not guilty on the ground of insanity.

    Verdict accordingly.

    The accused was ordered to be kept in confinement during his Majesty’s pleasure.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Cumberland Times, Thu 14 Feb 1901 ²

PARRAMATTA QUARTER SESSIONS.
———◦———
(Before Judge Backhouse.)

    Mr AF Dawson prosecuted for the Crown.
…

AN IMBECILE.

    John Mason was found not guilty of an unnatural offence on the ground of imbecility, and was ordered to be imprisoned during His Majesty’s pleasure, with a view to his treatment in an asylum.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Windsor and Richmond Gazette, Sat 23 Feb 1901 ³

PARRAMATTA QUARTER SESSIONS.
————

JOHN MASON was charged with committing an offence at Nelson, on 15th January. Accused who pleaded “not guilty,” was defended by Mr G McCauley.

    Constable Balfour, stationed at Rouse Hill, gave evidence as to the commission of the offence. He had known accused for about two years and ten months. Considered him different from ordinary people—a bit soft.

    Dr Gibson, of Windsor, Government Medical officer, deposed that he had examined accused in the Windsor lock-up on January 17th. Came to the conclusion that he was a man of weak intellect, practically imbecile.

    His Honor thought after that, the jury would not want to consider the case further. In accused’s own interest they would find him not guilty on the ground of insanity

    Verdict accordingly. The accused was ordered to be kept in confinement during his Majesty’s pleasure.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

John Mason, Gaol photo sheet ⁴

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Gaol Photo Sheet - Transcribed Details

No. 669
Parramatta

Date when Portrait was taken: 18th March 1901

Name: John Mason

Native place: Nelson NS Wales Year of birth: 1877 Arrived       Ship: — in Colony }   Year: — Trade or occupation previous to conviction  } Labourer Religion: R. C. Education, degree of: R & W Height: 5' 8" Weight     On committal: 148 in lbs     } On discharge: Colour of hair: D[ark] Brown Colour of eyes: Grey

Marks or special features: Two front teeth missing

(No. of previous Portrait ... )  CONVICTIONS
Where and When				Offence.	Sentence
Parramatta Q.S	12	2	1901	Bestiality	Governor’s Pleasure.

 

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¹     The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers’ Advocate (Parramatta), Wed 13 Feb 1901, p. 3. Emphasis added.

²     The Cumberland Times (Parramatta), Thu 14 Feb 1901, p. 3.

³     Windsor and Richmond Gazette, Sat 23 Feb 1901, p. 14. Emphasis added.

⁴     SRNSW: NRS2397, [3/6010], Parramatta photographic description book, 1880-1930, No. 669, p. 86, R5137

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