James Carney, 24, Michael Carney, 25,
Charles Flinn, 29, Patrick Murphy, 25.—
Were indicted for the manslaughter of Robert Bradshaw, at Litherland,
on the 7th June Inst. |
The facts of the case were these:—On
Sunday, the 2nd of June, about 10 p.m., Robert Bradshaw and his
brother William were going homeward from the Litherland Hotel
near Bootle, when they met a friend, and the three stood together.
Some Irishmen then ran across the road shouting “ Philburn,
Philburn,” to which Robert Bradshaw replied, “ You are
mistaken,” and immediately afterwards he and his brother
were both knocked down and Robert Bradshaw was kicked. The Irishmen
then went down School- lane to a stone-yard, and were heard to
break some wooden railings. Bradshaw, who had lost his hat, followed
with George Lovelady and some others, and one of the Irishmen
was heard to call out, “ Come on, Come on.” The
Irishmen then began to throw stones at Bradshaw and his friends,
who were Englishmen, and the Irish then retired towards Orrell-bridge.
The English followed, and James Carney was then seen holding a
rail seven or eight feet long in both hands over his head and
striking Robert Bradshaw with it. James Carney at the same time,
was heard to say, “ I will have your heart's blood, before
I sleep to-night.” Robert Bradshaw fell and then Carney
struck him again, Bradshaw at this time having no hat on. Charles
Flinn then struck George Lovelady with a rail. Murphy was seen
with a rail in his hand and also throwing a stone. Lovelady and
Bradshaw were then helped away from the scene of the fight.
In cross-examination it was elicited that Bradshaw had said, “
Come on : I'll have satisfaction now, there is plenty of us,”
Bradshaw was found to be seriously injured about the head, and
died on the 7th of June from a fracture of the skull.
Witnesses were called for Michael Carney to prove an alibi.
The jury, after a short retirement, returned to court with
a verdict of Guilty against all the prisoners.
The learned JUDGE, in passing sentence,
said that the evidence showed that James Carney was the ringleader
and responsible for the death of the deceased, as it was he who
struck the fatal blow. The prisoners would seem to have engaged
in the disturbance from a spirit of national animosity, which
induced them to have recourse to disgraceful violence. Such outrages
must be put down by the strong hand of the law, and if persons
engaged in such fighting, and sad results followed, they must
be taught that such conduct could not be allowed.
James Carney was sentenced to six years'
penal servitude.
Michael Carney to five years' penal servitude.
Charles Flinn and Patrick Murphy to 12 months' imprisonment each,
with hard labour.
NORTHERN CORRESPONDENT |
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