| COUNTY CLARE |
|---|
| Mr. Justice Keogh took his seat on the bench yesterday morning at ten o'clock, and proceeded with the trial of prisoners. |
| Indecent Assault |
| John Sheehan was indicted for an indecent assault upon Anne Ryan, at
Sixmilebridge, on the 21st April last.
Messrs. Coffey, Q.C., and Percy Lynch, instructed by Mr. Morphy, Crown Solicitor, defended. The prosecutrix, an elderly woman, about 50, deposed to the prisoner coming into her house late on the evening in question, and attempting to commit the assault complained of. On cross-examination she admitted that she was a tenant to the prisoner, and that he had distrained and sold all her effects for rent some time before. The jury brought in a verdict of “Not Guilty.” |
| Threatening Letter |
| Patrick Ryan, alias “Rory of the Hills,” was put forward and
arraigned on several charges, viz., appearing in arms in a proclaimed district, and stealing two pistols from
Michael Gaigley, on the 16th of January last, sending a threatening letter to William Ahearn, on the 21st
December.
The prisoner pleaded guilty to the first indictment and not guilty to the others. He asked his lordship to provide him with counsel. His Lordship said he had no power to do so. Mr. Coffee said they considered the threatening letter case the most important, and would try him on that indictment. Wm. Ahearn deposed to the prisoner coming to his house on two occasions, and threatening that his comrade was to meet him and give him a ball unless he gave up some land which a man named Murphy held before witness. Identified the letter sent him, which was couched in stereotypical phrase, and headed by a coffin containing a corpse, and signed “Rory of the Hills.” Said his name was Pat Ryan. Evidence of identity with the prisoner's handwriting was given by Mr. Teak, an expert. The prisoner was convicted, and sentenced to seven years' penal servitude. |
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