Magisterial.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 653, 27 June 1870, Page 3

Magisterial.

«. CHRISTCHURCH. This Dat. (Before C. C. Bowen, Esq., R.M.) Indecent Assavlt. — Patrick Gallagher and John Murphy were jointly charged with having indecently assaulted Mary Gallagher, s girl about 15 years of age, and daughter of the former prisoner. The evidence went to Bhow that the accused were drinking together at Gallagher's house, Murphy paying for the liquor, and that the former incited Murphy t» indecently assault his daughter. Murphy, thus instigated, and partly under the influence of liquor, kept making improper advances to the girl for several hours ; Gallagher, when his daughter resisted, ordering her to be quiet, and to submit to Murphy, and eventually he fastened them up in a bedroom together. From this position the girl was eventually released by the interference of a man residing in the houie, but it appeared that she was in the bedroom upwards of twenty minutes before calling out, and that although Murphy, both before and afterwards, was continually pulling ber about, she never attempted to leave the house. On conclusion of the evidence, his Worship said that the case was a most disgraceful one, and he really pitied complainant on account of the abominable manner in which she had been brought up. lie had reason to know that she had sworn falsely in that Court against her father before, but this time her evidence was corroborated. He was very sorry, but the charge of indecent assault could not be maintained, as complainant never attempted to leave the house, and was so long in the bedroom before crying out. He had not the slightest doubt, however, that Gallagher had tried to sell his daughter for drink. Accused endeavoured to remonstrate, but his Worship peremptorily ordered him to be silent, saying that his conduct was perfectly disgraceful, and it would be a matter of astonishment if any decent people would live with him. He was not fit to have charge of his daughter, but the Bench could only dismiss the case. " I say, Bill, Jem's got ten years' pena servitude for stealing a horse." " Serve him right: why didn't he buy one, and not pay for it, like any other gentleman ?"