IRELAND OLD NEWS

The Freeman's Journal
17 March 1815

Drogheda Assizes, March 15
'Yesterday evening about four o'clock, the Hon. Justice Daly arrived in town.
The Hon. Justice Mayne arrived in town this morning; his lordship presided in the Record Court.
The following trials took place this day -
James Martin, for having forged stamps in his possession, with an intent to issue them and thereby defraud the Revenue - Not Guilty. John Taafe for stealing sugar the property of John M'Can (sic), acquitted. The indictment by mistake, stated the sugar to be the property of M'Cann, instead of Coleman. James Coleman and Martin Moore for a conspiracy to rescue John M'Kenna, a prisoner in Drogheda jail - Not Guilty. But ordered to give bail for their good behaviour. - Michael Smith alias Rice, indicted for uttering several bank notes knowing them to be forged, Guilty - Death.
Joseph Kelly and Ann Dowdall, indicted for an assault on Mr. Benjamin Smith, and rescuing A. Thompson, William Roberts, and John Wilson, three soldiers of the 98th regiment - indicted for the murder of Thomas Bird - Not Guilty. Michael Gilligan, indicted for stealing butter, the property of Michael Bird, Esq. - Not Guilty. Joseph Martin indicted for stealing a pig, the property of Michael Mathews - Not Guilty.
DROGHEDA, March 15. - The Sheriffs have received a warrant for the execution of Michael Smith, alias Rice, convicted on Saturday last, for passing forged notes, knowing them to be such. Judge Daly, in passing sentence on the unfortunate culprit, stated, that if any favourable, or even doubtful circumstance had appeared in his favour, on the trial, he would have recommended him to mercy; but on the contrary, it turned out, that he was an old offender - that he had been arraigned at the bar, where he then stood, for an offence of the same nature, four years ago, and acquitted for want of prosecution; that his life had been one scene of inquiry. The wretched man made no declaration whatever, but begged a long stay. The execution is fixed for Saturday, the 8th of April.
Hickey and Callan, two of the villains who robbed Mornington House, and abused Mr. Brabazon, have been found guilty at the Assizes of Trim. It is rumoured, they are to be executed at Blackbush, but we have no certainty of the truth of the report.
 

Submitted by Brendan

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