The Sydney Morning Herald, Thu 15 Jul 1869 1
WATER POLICE COURT.
WEDNESDAY
Before the Water Police Magistrate, with Messrs Richards and Burdekin.
…
William Devonport, a fireman, belonging to the steamer Balelutha, appeared before the Court, in custody, charged with attempting to commit an unnatural offence. Prisoner, in defence, stated that he was the worse for liquor at the time, but not guilty of the charge preferred against him. Committed for trial at the next sitting of the Criminal Court, to be held on the 9th August.
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Empire, Wed 11 Aug 1869 2
CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT.—TUESDAY.
(Before his Honor Mr Justice Cheeke.)
…
UNNATURAL OFFENCE.
William Devonport was indicted for having, on the 13th July, at Sydney, attempted to commit an unnatural offence. Prisoner pleaded not guilty, and was undefended. The alleged offence was attempted to have been committed at the foot of Margaret-street, at 11 o’clock in the forenoon. Prisoner was drunk at the time. (The particulars of the case are wholly unfit for publication.) His Honor having summed up, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty, and prisoner was therefore discharged.
The Court then adjourned until 10 o’clock this (Wednesday) morning.
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The Sydney Morning Herald, Wed 11 Aug 1869 3
LAW.
…
CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT.
TUESDAY.
Before his Honor Mr Justice Cheeke.
…
UNNATURAL OFFENCE.
William Devonport was indicted for having, at Sydney, on the 13th day of July last, attempted to commit an unnatural offence. Prisoner was undefended. The offence was sworn to by three witnesses. Prisoner pleaded that he was drunk, and knew nothing whatever of the occurrence. The jury, without leaving the box, returned a verdict of not guilty, and prisoner was discharged.
1 The Sydney Morning Herald, Thu 15 Jul 1869, p. 2.
2 Empire, Wed 11 Aug 1869, p. 5.
3 The Sydney Morning Herald, Wed 11 Aug 1869, p. 9.