John Laverty

343

Maureen Withey on 12th June 2026

HORSE STEALING. John Laverty, indicted for stealing a gelding on 23d July. John M‘Aleese.—Lost a horse on the day specified at Ballycastle, County Antrim, and got him again in Banbridge, in this County. A Police Constable proved the detection of the prisoner in Banbridge with the horse in his possession endeavoured to account for the horse by alleging  that he had bought him at Loughgill, in the County Antrim ; after being apprehended  he tried to make his escape; he had the horse in Banbridge for the purpose of selling him. Another Policeman (Richard Cairns) proved that he overheard the prisoner tell a Mr. Heron and a Mr. Irvine that he had stolen the horse;  these persons had observed to him that it would be better for him to tell the truth, and he then confessed the robbery ; they made no they made no promise, nor did they use any threat. The prisoner (evidently a well-practised offender) protested his innocence, said he had bought the horse, and that his principal witness was in Scotland. He called James Murray, who, being sworn, said he ‘saw the man who saw the prisoner buy the horse,” and that that man was not now in the country. Verdict—Guilty : to be transported for life.—Prisoner—“ It is too bad, my Lord.” Newry Telegraph, 18 March 1836.

338

Penny-Lyn Beale on 15th December 2020

New South Wales, Australia, Convict Registers of Conditional and Absolute Pardons, Conditional - 49/1496 Name: John Laverty Age: 53 [1796] Origin Place: Antrim - 15 Mar 1836 Pardon Date: 20 Oct 1849 Vessel Name: Captain Cook 3 - 1836 Native Place; Antrim Trade; Farm Servant Offence; Horse Stealing - Life Trial; Down - 15 March 1836 Height; 5 ft. 4 Complexion; Dark Ruddy Hair; Brown Eyes; Hazel Previously transported on the Phoenix - 1826 New South Wales, Australia, Convict Indents. Ship; Phoenix - 1826 No; 21. Name; James Murray. Age; 20