QSR1834/4/5/13

Deposition of John Jeffries, constable of Everton. John Gurney of Everton. In the case of James Smith accused of the assault and the rescue of certain prisoners in custody.

8 October 1834

From: 1834 To: 1834

John Jeffries: on 24 September he was charged with a warrant to apprehend Thomas Whiston and Thomas Mace for offences against the game act. That night, or early the following morning, he went with his assistant to a house at Everton to execute the warrant. After he had apprehended the prisoners there was a great riot made by made persons in the house and he and his assistant were assaulted and the prisoner rescued from them. James Smith was very active in the affray and liberated Thomas Mace from his custody. He went the same morning before a magistrate and obtained a warrant to apprehend William Darlow (now out on bail to be taken to trial at the next quarter session for the said assault and rescue) and James Smith. He took them both before the magistrate on 26 September but whilst he was speaking with the magistrate James Smith made his escape from his assistant and absconded. He took him again at Everton on the morning of 12 October. John Jeffries [continued]: William Darlow rescued Thomas Whiston out of his custody 2 or 3 times but finally succeeded in recapturing him after a severe struggle. After this Darlow seemed sorry for what he had done and offered his assistance and when he had obtained a warrant to apprehend him, he voluntarily gave himself up. John Gurney: on the night of Wednesday 24 September or early on Thursday 25 September he was charged to aid and assist John Jeffries, the constable of Everton in executing a warrant against Thomas Whiston and Thomas Mace. He went with Jeffries to a house at Everton where Whiston and Mace were with many others. Jeffries set him to guard the front door whilst he went round to the back door to apprehend the prisoners. He heard a great noise and riot inside. Jeffries called to him to go round to the back door. He went in to give assistance. The front door was fastened inside. William Darlow endeavoured to push him backwards out of the house but he went in and found Mace had made his escape. He assisted the constable in getting Whiston out of the house. When people got round them, assaulted them and tried to rescue the prisoner. William Darlow struck him a violent blow and gave him a black eye. Darlow tried to trip up the constable. There was a great riot and Whiston was rescued from them 2 or 3 times bit they succeeded in taking him.

item

Smith, James,
Jeffries, John,
Gurney, John,
Whiston, Thomas,
Mace, Thomas

EVERTON, assault, escape from custody, Game Laws