R. v. Piddock

Supreme Court of Van Diemen's Land
Pedder C.J., 23 March 1827
Source: Hobart Town Gazette, 31 March 1827

Thomas Ewbank Piddock, was charged with forging a bill of exchange for £20 with intention to defraud Mr. George Lowe, on the 18th of January last. The jury returned the following verdict. Not Guilty, it appearing to us, that he was under the influence of insanity when the act was committed.

Source: Colonial Times, 6 April 1827

T.E. Piddock was indicted for forging and uttering as true a Bill for £20, purporting to be drawn by Mr. G. Lowe on J.T. Gellibrand; Esq. and endorsed by Messrs. D. Lord, J.T. Collicolt and J. Martin. There were six counts in the indictment. Mr. Piddock lately arrived in this Colony as a settler. By profession he is an Attorney, and his family and friends are respectable. From the evidence of several Gentlemen, it appeared that Mr. Piddock conducted himself in such a manner as to lead them to believe that he was occasionally deranged; and in consequence the Jury found a verdict of - Not Guilty.