Prison sentences for trespass

At a Justice of Peace Court, held here, upon the 7th ult. the following delinquents, viz. William Morison, clerk to Mr Copland, Insurance Broker in Aberdeen, Peter Symmers, at Sclattie; Christian Symmers there; and several others (whose names are withheld on account of their personal respectability, and the contrition they evinced) were brought forward, upon a complaint at the instance of Mr Forbes of Seaton, which charged them with trespassing within his grounds, and with contravening various of the Statutes enacted for the protection of young trees.  After a full investigation of these charges, the Justice pronounced judgement against Morison, and the two Symmers, finding each of them liable in a penalty of L.10 sterling; and granting warrant to commit them to the Tolbooth of Aberdeen, there to be detailed for the space of six months, or until they should make payment of the penalties so awarded.  The other delinquents having confessed their error, were assoilzied, with Mr Forbes' consent, on payment of the actual expence of prosecution.

We think it right to make known the result of this case, as a warning to those who, under the pretence of seeking for bird's nests, and other purposes, are in the practice of entering private grounds in the neighbourhood of the town, and cutting and breaking down young trees.  Every one is interested more or less to put a stop to practices so wanton and mischievous; and we are glad to understand that a new prosecution is in forwardness against some others, for similar trespasses on the lands of Cotton.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 7th July 1819.

Prison sentences for violent assault

For several successive days in January last, a number of idle and disorderly persons, consisting partly of boys, and partly of sailors, apprentice tradesmen, and others, assembled in the neighbourhood of Old Aberdeen, trespassing on the fields, throwing stones, annoying passengers, and otherwise disturbing the public peace.  Several of them were apprehended; and on Wednesday last, Alexander McLean and John Solomon, sailors, and William Forbes, apprentice cork-cutter, were convicted before the Sheriff, on the complaint of the Procurator Fiscal, of having been actively engaged in these riotous proceedings: and also of having committed a violent assault on James Anderson, gardener in Old Aberdeen, at whom they had taken offence, on account of his endeavouring to drive the mob off his grounds.  McLean was sentenced to confinement and hard labour in Bridewell for three months, and Solomon and Forbes for two months.  It is hoped, this example will operate as a salutory check to similar practices in time coming.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 13th March 1816.