In the mid 19th century all crime was met with severe punishment. The criminals that were caught and convicted in the 1850’s were charged with some the same types of crimes that you can witness in everyday life today, such as petty theft and assault. Although, as you will see in the extracts below, crimes such as stealing feathers and grass were severely punishable by law.
Through the analysis of the crimes these individuals were charged with, we are given insight into the lives they lived back then.
Where the information was available, follow-ups were been added to those persons transported to Australia as punishment for their crimes.
The Main Courthouse, which was in use in 1850
The following are convictions reported in the Limerick Chronicle on the 30 October 1850.
- Edmond Hannan, a notorious pick pocket, was convicted of stealing a purse of money from Mrs. Pierce Creagh in George’s Street on the 13th July, and sentenced to 7 years transportation. {From Transportation records: Convict ordered to be discharged 15/01/1855}
- Michael Mannix, employed in the bakery concerns of James D. Lyons, Esq. in this city, was indicted for embezzling money to the amount of £15, which he had received from customers in the name of Mr. Lyons. The evidence against the prisoner was his own admission to the clerk, who arrested him at Killonan station, from whence he was about to leave for America. – To be imprisoned 9 months hard labour.
- Patrick O’Dea, servant, was found guilty of stealing a pair of boats from his former master, Dr. Gore, and sentenced to one month’s imprisonment.
- Patrick Davern, a young man in the employ of Messrs. Evans and Curtis, George’s Street was indicted for an assault on Patrick Keane, who was also a salesman in the same establishment. The case was proved by Patrick Keane, who sustained severe injury in the face, having been struck with a ewer by the traverser, in his bedroom. Mr. John Horgan and Dr. O’ Shaughnessy were the other witnesses examined. The jury found a verdict of common assault and the court ruled a fine of £5 or one month’s imprisonment. The fine was paid.
- At the prosecution of Mr Hugh Wrightson, verger, William Merritt and Thomas Sheehy were convicted of stealing lead off the porch of St. Mary’s Cathedral and sentenced to 6 months imprisonment at hard labour and to be 3 times whipped.
- James Higgins and James Tuohy, were found guilty of stealing lead off the roof of Mr. D O’Connor’s house, North Strand, and sentenced to 7 years transportation each. {From Transportation records: James Higgins died in Phillipstown Gaol, King’s County 24/08/1853, James Tuohy was discharged 09/02/1855}
- Patrick Doyle was convicted of stealing lead off a house on Sir Harry’s Mall, the property of Francis Dwyer, and sentenced to 7 years transportation. {From Transportation records: ordered discharged 12/05/1855}
- Patrick Gilligan, John Hayes and John Glinn were found guilty upon same indictment, but it being their first offence, were only sentenced to 6 months imprisonment each, at hard labour, and to be three times whipped.
- John Burns was found guilty of stealing lead off a house in High Street and sentenced to like punishment.
- William Gleeson was convicted of stealing lead of an unoccupied house on Cecil Street and sentenced to 7 year’s transportation.
- Johanna Kelly and Anne Torpy were convicted of stealing wearing apparel, the property of Patrick O’Connor, Broad Street and being old offenders were each sentenced to 7 years transportation.
- Mary Kelly, a Cyprian, was found guilty of stealing a bank post bill for £5, from William Barnard of the Foot Artillery. To be imprisoned for six months at hard labour.
- Patrick Sullivan and Ellen McCarthy pleaded guilty of stealing several shirts, bacon, and wearing apparel from the residence of Rev. John Brahan P.P. St. Mary’s. They were each sentenced to 7 years transportation. {From Transportation records: Patrick Sullivan died at Spike Island gaol Co. Cork 27/06/1854}
- Winifred Foley was found guilty of having three waistcoats, which were stolen from the residence of Mr. J. Bassett, Rutland Street and sentenced to 2 months imprisonment at hard labour. John Fitzpatrick and John Hickey by whom the articles were stolen were sentenced to one month’s imprisonment and to be three times whipped.
- Mary Savage was found guilty of stealing a cloak, the property of Mary Forest. To be imprisoned one month.
- Mary Purcell was found guilty of cutting the pocket off Mary Purcell (repeated name in source) at the Dominican Chapel on Sunday the 18th August, during the celebration of Mass ! The Assistant Barrister said the offence was committed under circumstances at which, it should be supposed a Christian would shrink with horror. The sentence was that she be transported for 7 years.
- Mary Connell was found guilty of stealing a purse of money and some manuscript papers from Mr. James B Fortune, Commercial traveller. To be imprisoned one month at hard labour.
- James Griffin and Denis Hayes were convicted of stealing 30 stone of potatoes, the property of Mr. Denis McNamara at Corbally and sentenced to six month imprisonment at hard labour and to be three times whipped.
- Margaret Roohan was convicted of a riot and stone throwing at William Street auxiliary workhouse, where she was an inmate, but discharged having been in custody since June.
Find more information on those transported to Australia during this period can be found here