James Leach

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Robin Sharkey on 5th September 2021

James Leach came from the town of Maryport in Cumberland. This is on the western English coast, north of the lake district. Carlile is the nearest large town, about 30 miles north-east. He was held in York gaol awaiting trial at the Yorkshire Assizes that commenced in early March 1812. Found guilty of horse stealing, he was sentenced to death but reprieved to Transportation for Life by the judge, Sir Simon le Blanc, before the judge moved on to the assizes sessions in the next county. Leeds Mercury, Saturday 29 February 1812 “Lent Assizes, Saturday March 7th “Calendar of the prisoners in York castle stop the Han Barron Thompson, and the on Sir Simon LeBlanc, judges of Assize: "James Leach charged with stealing a bay colt, the property of John Stoker of Catterton." 'Cumberland Pacquet, and Ware’s Whitehaven Advertiser', Tuesday 17 March 1812 p.2: "Before the Hon Baron Thompson and Sir Simon le Blanc. "The following prisoners had been tried on Thursday, viz James Leach, of Maryport, Cumberland, ..." Stamford Mercury Friday 27 March 1812, p 3. “Yorkshire Lent assizes. On Tuesday the Simon le Blanc passed sentence on the following guilty prisoners: “George Stones, John Williamson, John Armstrong, and James Leach, for horse-stealing. Thomas Simpson and George Simpson, for sheep-stealing. Wm Chester for attempting to murder George Oliver and his wife, And Robert Winter for stealing money. DEATH. “Before Sir Simon le Blanc left York, he was pleased to reprieve all the above prisoners, except William Chester, who is left for execution.” The above prisoners were transported for life (having been reprieved from the death sentence) and all sailed on ‘Fortune” to NSW, departing England in February 1812 and arriving in June 1813.