APPEARANCE OF THE PRISONERS IN THE DOCK.

West Coast Times, Issue 245, 5 July 1866, Page 3

APPEARANCE OF THE PRISONERS IN THE DOCK.

While the evidence as to the death of Dudley was going on, the prisoner Sullivan (the approver) exhibited signs of great emotion, which he appeared for some time to do his utmost to suppress, his countenance working and varying for some minutes, indicative of internal excitement ; and flushing and growing pale. At last the Resident Magistrate told him to stand down, and a seat was provided" for him. He seemed to break out into a heavy perspiration, and wept bitterly while he sat. The expression of countenance Snd behaviour of the three other prisoners, exhibited a marked contrast to what they displayed when they were first brought up. The former carelessness and bravado had left them, Burgess was subdued, and did not look about him in the bold manner in which he had previously surveyed the audience, and all around the court. There was less of defiance in his look, and an anxiety which did not before appear. So with Kelly, who like Burgess has a wellv formed head in front, but there is a fierce expression in the eye which is not agreeable to look on. In Kelly this was peculiarly notable when first placed at the bar. His eyes then literally seemed to blaze with light when he gazed fixedly on a witness who made some telling point in his evidence. There was a great difference on this occasion. His eyes yesterday had less of fire, and his threatening glance had given place to one of anxiety also. He seemed to have grown older, and there were deeper lines round the mouth and eyes, and on the forehead, denoting troubled and anxious thought. Levy was the least changed of any. His look was calm and steadfast ; he showed neither excitement nor emotion, and except that he did not talk so much to his companions as on the former occasion, there was no difference in him. He appeared to do his best to wear a face free from all expression, and he succeeded in doing so. Levy and Burgess walked with apparent ease in their irons ; Levy particularly seemed but little embarrassed by their presence. Kelly and Sullivan had greater difficulty in moving in them. The prisoners appeared in Court in their ordinary dress. After being placed in irons their clothes were taken from them in order to search for any concealed files or other instruments that might be hidden about them. They were therefore dressed in the prison garb, in which we believe it was intended that they should appear at the bar of the Magistrate's Court ; but on hearing this, Burgess and one or two of the others were furious, and they tore their prison clothing ; and said they would tear any others that may be put on them, as it was not legal to place them in such dress before committal. Yesterday morning, Burgess requested that the authorities should intercept certain letters of Sullivan's, addressed to his wife and other persons in Australia, asserting that in them wonld be found evidence that Sullivan was engaged in making preparations ior a felony. The three prisoners, Burgess, Kelly, and Levy, are aware that Sullivan has confessed. We believe they were first told that he had done so by a fellow prisoner, and it is reported that one of them said that they always thought he was a b y scoundrel, and that it was th.eir intention to settle him lest he should split. Sullivan evidently feared this, for it is said that in, his confession he had stated that in consequence of that fear, and knowing that they had disposed of another accomplice whom they distrusted, he had made up his mind after the murder of the whaler (old v Jamie Battle,") to take steps for informing against them, and with this view he made a mark with his heel in a conspicuous part near the spot ' where the old whaler was buried, and noted the exact locality and its peculiar landmarks, and gave their description to Mr Shallcrass. We believe Burgess, Kelly, and Levy, complain bitterly of being put in irons ; and Burgls9 is reported to have said he would as soon be hanged at once as undergo the treatment he is now enduring. Kelly pretends that this is the first tune that a key was ever turned upon him. No doubt ex-Detective Trimble can tell another story.