SENSATIONAL OCCURRENCE

Evening Star, Issue 14225, 26 November 1909, Page 6

SENSATIONAL OCCURRENCE

A remarkable outrage on a Westmoreland vicar is reported. Tire victim, the Kcv. J. G. Las, vicar of South Stainnwre, near Kirkby Stephen, Westmoreland, on September 16 stated that late on the 13th he •was accompanying a young lady who had been visiting at the vicarage home across the moor, when in crossing a stile they were both seized by men in hiding. He was overpowered and thrown to the ground, and the young lady was detained. The assailants proceeded to bind Mr Lax's hands and feet with thick ropes, and lest he should escape they tightened the cords until they cut into his flesh,'causing intense pain. The majority of the men were in disguise.- They subjected their victim to much indignity, ‘ and then lashed him to a gate and carried him towards his home shoulder high. A halt was colled near the vicarage, and after further delay one of the men cut the cords binding th* vicar’s right hand. This served as a signal for a general retreat. Mr’lax succeeded in freeing himself, and subsequently walked to Kirkby Stephen, six miles away, arriving between four and five o’clock in the inornin-, and informed the police. It is stated that the ringleaders have been identified, and that legal proceedings will be taken. In the meantime, his assailants held a meeting in one of the principal houses in the town, and secured the services of an eminent ILC., in case tho law was sgt in motion.