Serious Offence: At the Ashburton Police Court, on Saturday, before Mr. F. S. Amery; William Jackman Langler, 19, a native of Ipplepen, was charged with attempting to commit a criminal assault upon Florence Pinsent, aged 10. It is alleged that the prisoner, who is in the employ of Mr. Ball, miller, Kingsteigoton, whilst driving his master’s horse and cart with flour to Bickington on Friday afternoon, accosted the complainant, and after persuading her to ride in his cart, attempted to commit a criminal assault on her. The child’s screams attracted the attention of a farmer named Harris, who looked over hedge and saw the committal of the offence. Langler made off, and left his master’s house the same evening, saying he was going to enlist as a soldier. P.C. Cox, of Bickington, traced him to the Jolly Sailor, Newton Abbot, and apprehended him in bed, at eleven o’clock. He was removed to the lock-up Newton Abbot, and on Saturday taken to Ashburton police station. Prisoner was remanded. —On Monday the accused was again brought before the magistrates and, some further evidence having been taken, was committed for trial. Prisoner said nothing in defence.
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