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Newgate Calendar - THOMAS WREN

THOMAS WREN

Convicted of Assault at the Middlesex Sessions, December, 1810

            THOMAS WREN was put to the bar, charged on two separate indictments, in conjunction with James Wren, his brother, of assaulting Leonard M'Nally and Hannah his wife, in a most outrageous manner, in their own house. Mr. Barry stated the case on the part of the prosecution. It appeared that one of the defendants, namely James Wren, did not come in to take his trial. The case, however, as applying to the defendant at the bar, was as follows:—The prosecutors kept a public-house in Wilson-street, Finsbury-square. On the night stated the defendant, who is assistant to his father, a market gardener, but who lives separate from him in Chancery lane, came to the prosecutor's house; and he and his brother staying there till it began to grow late, was requested by Mrs. M'Nally to depart; this he refused, and was desirous of having more liquor, which she peremptorily refused; some noise took place, and he happened to go outside the door, Mrs. M'Nally endeavoured to shut him out, which he resisted; his brother came to his assistance. Mr. M'Nally came to his wife's assistance, and the two cut and beat them both so brutally, that if it had not been for the interference of the neighbours they might have lost their lives. It was urged by the counsel for the prosecution, that as publicans were under the necessity of receiving all guests who came into their houses whilst they held licences, so they were the more entitled than other persons to be protected from outrage and violence.

            Mr. Gleed for the defendant addressed the jury, endeavouring to impress upon their minds that the cause of dispute and assault arose from the prosecutor's allowing the defendant and his brother to remain drinking in the house, till they became intoxicated.

            Mr. Barry replied, and showed, to the satisfaction of the Court and the jury, that even in that case there was no apology for the brutal violence used.—Of this opinion was the jury, and the defendant was found guilty. Mr. Watson pronounced sentence, at the same time admonishing the offender from conducting himself in such an outrageous manner again. He was sent to expiate his offence to the care of Mr. Adkins, the Governor of the House of Correction, Coldbath-fields.

 

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