[disorderly house – liquor laws– assault]

R. v. Kirton

Court of Criminal Jurisdiction

Wylde J.A., 10 August 1821

Source: Sydney Gazette, 11 August 1821

            James Kirton, of Parramatta, was indicted for keeping a disorderly house in the town of Parramatta; also, with selling spiritous liquors without a licence; and likewise, with assaulting the constables in the execution of their duty.  Of every charge the prisoner was found guilty.  Want of room prevents our giving publicity to the dreadful depravity that was this day unfolded, which it is the firm determination of our Courts of Judicature to discountenance and repress, by all the legal means with which they are invested.  So infamous a character as the prisoner, the Court conceived it necessary to remove from a scene in which he had but too successfully practised iniquity for a long season; and therefore sentenced him, the said James Kirton, to be transported to Newcastle for the term of two years; upon the exploration of which servitude he is to pay a fine to the King of £50; and be further incarcerated till such sum be paid.