Cullompton: The Cullompton petty session was held on Monday before the Reverends. J. Huyshe and J.P. Sydenham, and G.M. Marker, Esq.: James, William, Sidney, Edwin, and Henry Rowland (brothers) were charged with assaulting P.C. Pynsent while in the execution of his duty at Culmstock. Mr. Toby defended. Pynsent deposed that about eleven o’clock on the night of the 4th instant, he was informed that James Rowland, a deserter from the 66th Regiment, was at the house of his brothers. He went there, and found the defendant accreted in the partition of a wall. On his making this discovery the defendants fell upon him. William Rowland cut the string of his staff and wrenched it from him. James Rowland was also very violent towards him, as were also Sidney and Edwin the former caught hold of his legs and tripped him. The other defendant (Henry) was the less violent and endeavoured to persuade his brothers not to injure the witness. In the affray his clothes were much damaged and, had not Messrs. Braddick and Woodbury come to his assistance, he would probably have been seriously injured. The defendants James, William and Sidney were taken into custody, and a summons procured for the other two. …. [defendant’s lawyer said that the police constable had no right to search the house without a warrant]. The Bench retired to consider their decision and on again coming into Court, the Chairman said they were of the opinion that the assault n the police constable was very brutal one. The two defendants, James and William were sent to prison for three months hard labour, Edwin and Sidney were fined 20s each, of fourteen days, and allowed a fortnight to pay. ….. James Rowland, at the conclusion of the case, admitted being a deserter from the 66th Regiment of Foot. … …
[see also Exeter and Plymouth Gazette: Friday 10th November 1871]
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