Devon Lent Assizes: An Accident: Charles Quick (on bail) 9, was indicted for having on the 10th September, 1868, at Kingsteignton, set fire to a stack of corn, the property of Gilbert and Ann Pinsent. Mr. Clark prosecuted, and Mr. Mortimer defended the prisoner. After Mr. Clark had stated the case, his Lordship said there must be very strong and pregnant evidence of wicked intention at the time. The presumption was innocence in a boy so young. Mr. Clark said he was bound to admit that the boy was the son of respectable parents, and in his own mind he believed the thing was an accident. What they thought probable was that the boy first set fire to some loose straw, near the rick, that immediately he set fire to it, he saw that it was catching the rick, and that he then tried to put it out with his hat, but as he could not he ran away. His Lordship said there was no evidence whatsoever to show that the boy had malicious intention. Mr. Clark did not call any evidence against the prisoner, and by the direction of his Lordship, the jury returned a verdict “Not Guilty.”
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Referenced
GRO0065 Hennock: Anne Pinsent: 1833 – 1907
GRO0369 Hennock: Gilbert Pinsent: 1840 – 1918