The Alleged Outrage at Newtown. All the Prisoners Dismissed.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 190, 5 February 1887, Page 5

The Alleged Outrage at Newtown. All the Prisoners Dismissed.

At the Newtown Court, Charles Smith, alias " Border" Smith, James Watson, aliae "Jemmy the blackemith," James Kelly, Timothy Murphy, alias George Wynbrow, John Moffat, and Henry Murphy (on remand) were charged with criminally aepaulting Grace Porters on December 29 last. Senior-Constables Parkinson and Joyce deposed to the arrest of the prisoners, assisted by Constables Skinner and Mannell. Several of the defendants declared themeelvos innocent of the charge. Constable Parkinson, in reply to Mr Hill, said that from what ho had heard and inquiries made the complainant was not of good repute, and Cooatable Joyce stated that the girl had admitted to him that she was the mother of a child ; and eince the case was commenced he had heard damaging rumours regarding her character. The prosecutrix stated that she was 17 years old, was born at Single ton, and came to Sydney in July 1885, with her mother. Witness took a situation in Botany Koad as general servant. While there she kept company with a young man and a child was born at the Benevolent Aaylum. From that place she went to the Infante' Home at Ashfield, and thence to her aunt's in Newtown. The child died in November lasfc. On the night of the alleged outrage she was at another aunt's in !Netaon-street ; and, leaving there at about 10 p.m., she proceeded along King-street, and when opposite Coleman'e stables " Border " Smith accosted her. She did not reply, and Smith, who was under the influence of drink, caught hold of her and pulled her

towards the stabloa. AH the prisoners and two ottarß not present asdauited her. Sbe threatened to ecream, aud Watson threatened to choke her. Mr T. M. Williamson submitted the girl to a elope cross-examination, which completely broke down the case. After denying having been at the stables Knee the occurrence she admitted on being prepced that she hod been there, also that phe kept Andersons company several houra after and on the night of the alleged outrage. Whiter first denyinp ib.she also afterwards admitted that the defendnnta and others were familiar with her by her consent several times, both at the stables aud elsewhere after the alleged offence. In reply to a question by the Bench it was etated that the girl had been kept at the Stanmore station and had noc had any opportunity of communicating with the pri ponerp, not even by her aunt. Mr Abbott, S.M , said that from <he evidence given by the proeecutrix he could not free the use nf going on with the case, and it was very evident to him that the AttorneyGeneral would not tile a bill in it. Mr Koberts said that the information supplied to the police was entirely different from that elicited The defendants were thereupon discharged.