QSR1890/3/5/4

Depositions of Mary Ann Fearn, Charlotte Fearn and Mary Fearn all of Dunstable. In the case of Jesse Janes accused of the indecent assault of Mary Fearn.

14 May 1890

From: 1890 To: 1890

Mary Ann Fearn: she lived in Edward Street and her daughter Mary lived with her. On 3 May she sent her to play; Minnie her sister was with her. On her return she was crying and said that Prodagal (which was the nickname of the prisoner) “had hurt her so.” She went out and saw the prisoner sifting ashes and asked him what he had done to the child, who was 6 years old. He made no reply. She examined the child and found her private parts much inflamed. She had to fetch her out of bed twice and bathe her legs in vinegar. She kept crying and complaining about her legs. Charlotte Fearn: she was sent on 3 May to look after her sister. On going she heard she screaming “Pray let me go pray let me go”. When he got on the 3 cornered piece at the end of the road where Prodigal was sighting ashes, she saw him on his knees with his arms around Mary. She said “If you don’t leave her alone daddy will pretty well kill you when he comes home”. He let go of her and she brought her home. Mary kept on screaming. Mary Ann Fearn (recalled): Mary on her return said the prisoner put his finger inside and they were so black. Mary Fearn (not sworn on account of her age): identified the man. Statement of the accused: nothing to say.

item

Fearn, Mary Ann,
Fearn, Charlotte,
Fearn, Mary

DUNSTABLE, sex crimes