Circuit Court cases, Aberdeen

WEDNESDAY, April 21. - The Circuit Court of Justiciary was opened here this day, by the Right Hon. Lord GILLIES, who proceeded to the trial of the following delinquents.

Hugh Ross, now or lately at Peterhead, accused of theft; who having failed to appear, had sentence of fugitation pronounced against him.

William Brown, alias McIntosh, John McKenzie, and Malcolm McKenzie, all in the parish of Glengarden, charged with assault and deforcement, were likewise outlawed for not appearing.

Daniel  O'Bryan, prisoner in the Tolbooth of Aberdeen, indicted, at the instance of his Majesty's Advocate, for having, on the 17th November last, in different parts of the city, assaulted and stabbed with a bayonet, six several persons, to the effusion of their blood and danger of their lives, having pled guilty to the charge, and a verdict being returned accordingly, was sentenced to be transported beyond seas for seven years.

Margaret Burnett and Stephen Harrison, the former accused of sheep-stealing, and the latter for resetting the same, knowing them to be stolen.  Burnett acknowledged the theft, and Harrison denied the libel; the Jury was then inclosed.

The Court proceeded to the trial of John Simpson, stone dyker; Francis Smith, farmer; and Joseph Smith, his servant, all in the parish of Birse, charged with having assaulted and deforced Alexander Strachan, Hugh Ross, and James Forbes, excise officers, in the execution of their duty.  The prisoners pled not guilty, and a proof for the prosecution, and in exculpation being led, and a Jury inclosed, the Judge prorogued the diet till the following day.

THURSDAY, April 22.  -  This morning, a Petition was presented, in name of his Majesty's Advocate for warrant to apprehend William Brown, alias McIntosh, John McKenzie, and Malcolm McKenzie, before named, and to commit them prisoners to the Tolbooth of Aberdeen, therein to be detained until liberated in due course of law; which was granted accordingly.

The Jury, in the case of Burnett and Harrison, returned a verdict, finding the former guilty, in terms of her own confession, and the latter guilty, as libelled. - Sentence of transportation for 7 years was pronounced against them.

The Jury, in the case of John Simpson, Francis Smith, and Joseph Smith, by their verdict, found the libel, as to John Simpson, not proven; and the others guilty, as libelled.  Simpson of course was dismissed from the bar, but Francis and Joseph Smith are to be imprisoned for 6 months.

The only other case was that of Arthur Phrain, for cattle stealing, who is banished Scotland for life, upon his own petition.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 28th April 1819.

PRISONERS ESCAPED FROM BANFF

ON the Evening of Saturday last, the 19th inst. JOHN GARDEN, HUGH ROSS, and JOHN INGRAM, Prisoners in the Tolbooth of Banff, accused of different crimes, made their escape therefrom.

A description of these persons is subjoined, and the Magistrates of Banff request, that all Peace Officers, &c. will use every means in their power to apprehend these persons, and a handsome REWARD will be paid for the taking of all or any of these persons.

DESCRIPTON.

John Garden is a native of Bogfouton, in the parish of Auchterless; he is about 25 years of age, nearly six feet high, slender, but stout, and had on a Tartan Coat and Vest, (prevailing colour, green) and highland bonnet.

Hugh Ross, is a native of Ross-shire, parish of Kincardine, and worked some time at the new harbour of Peterhead. - He is aged about 24, sallow complexion, about 5 Feet 4 Inches high, and had on a light or middle blue short Coat, and blue Vest and Pantaloons - no Hat; he carried off a Bundle, containing a Blanket, &c. when he made his escape.

John Ingram, was formerly a merchant at Deskie, in Glenlivet, and is well known in Aberdeen.  He is aged about or upwards of 40 years, very sallow complexion, about 5 Feet 6 Inches high, and had on a short light gray Coat, a little ragged; grey Vest ragged; Corduroy Pantaloons, and a round Hat. - He carried off a black and red checked plaid, and a bundle containing a Blanket.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 23rd December 1818.