Manchester Police Court round-up
Tuesday 3 January 1854
Serious case of stabbing – An elderly Irishman, named Patrick Leahy, was placed in the dock on a charge of having stabbed Mrs Macartney, of the Weaver’s arms, Rodney Street. On Sunday, the prisoner, who lived next door to Mrs Macartney, went to her house and asked for some drink. As he had no money to pay for the drink, Mr Macartney refused to draw him any. Upon this the prisoner went up to and assaulted Mr Macartney. With the aid of some people in the house, Mr Macartney succeeded in getting him put out. But Leahy returned with a knife and attacked Mr Macartney. Mrs Macartney waded in and was stabbed in the wrist. After hearing the evidence Judge Mr Maude told the prisoner he was sending those brought before him accused of using knives for trial at the assizes before the judges who were determined to stop that disgraceful practice which had of late years been on the increase. Leahy was then fully committed to trial at the next assizes.
Robbery from a dwelling house – A female named Bridget Walsh who had been in the habit of washing for Mrs Sarah Rogerson, Maskell Street, was committed to the session on a charge of having stolen a watch from the house of Mrs Rogerson.
Breaking into a shop – Benjamin Taylor was committed to take his trial at the sessions on a charge of breaking into a shop in Ashley Lane, occupied by James Ashton, and stealing five hams between 20 to 30 pounds of tea and a quantity of bacon on Christmas morning at 3.30am.
