Report of Charles Abbot on 1 collective petition (114 people) on behalf of Jacob...

Report of Charles Abbot on 1 collective petition (114 people) on behalf of Jacob Peake, convicted at the Oxford Quarter Sessions, held on 13 January 1803, for an assault against John Forrest/John Forest on 3 July 1802. The prosecutor lived with Messrs. Collis and Dupe, gunsmiths. The prosecutor was hit in the face with a pebble whilst testing a gun. The crime may have been one concerned with a disagreement between rival supporters of candidates of a recent parliamentary election. There was contradictory evidence on each side and the magistrate thought perjury on behalf of at least 1 witness. Dupe, a respectable tradesman, positively identified the prisoner as the stone thrower and the magistrate directed the jury to consider his evidence. The prisoner and William Bush (claimed to be the real perpetrator of the crime) were completely unalike, 'in size, complexion, and general Appearance.' The jury were said by the judge to be 'very intelligent Persons.' Evidences supplied by John Forest, William Dupe, gunsmith; William Busby, farmer; Richard Bexley, John Walton, William White, Martin John Biggs, Lucy Painter, fruit woman; Henry Welland; and Mrs Casey, turnpike woman. Grounds for clemency: is a young man (28 years) with a wife and 2 children, there are many respectable people who would give evidence on his behalf (who did not think it necessary at his trial), is innocent, the victim mistook the identity of the prisoner and it was William Bush who committed the crime. Initial sentence: 12 months imprisonment and a fine of £20. Recommendation: no mercy. Folios 156-162.