John Mccarthy

342

Maureen Withey on 27th July 2025

Assizes. Joseph Sullivan, Maurice Drinan and John McCarthy stood indicted for entering the Dwelling House of Mr Walter Morrogh of Shandon-street, the morning of the Nov. last, and stealing thereout a Hat, a surtout, and several other articles; and Ellen Cremin was charged with harbouring these goods, knowing them to be stolen. Several witnesses were examined in support of the charge. On the morning laid in the indictment, Edward Rarrett, a person in the employment, and Messrs. Robert and John Morrogh, sons of Walter Morrogh, were awoke by noise. They got from their beds and proceeded to a lane off the Sand-quay, where they saw a boy, told them to go to a house which he pointed out, and nominated den of robbers. They went—found the door closed, and announced themselves. A candle, which had been lighting, their first coming the house, was immediately extinguished. Mr. Robert Morrough dispatched his brother to the neighbouring guard house, for assistance, during whose absence the prisoners made ineffectual attempt to escape. They were repressed by Mr R. Morrogh threatening shoot the first who attempted to come out. Johanna Spillane, approver, swore she was of the gang who entered and robbed Mr. Morrogh’s house and that Ellen Cremin, who was charged in the information with having received the goods, identified by the Messrs. Morrogh, was proprietress of the house, but that she refused to take the goods, and entreated the other prisoners not to press her. Baron Pennefather charged the Jury- Guilty. The Court, after making few observations upon the heinousness of the offence, ordered sentence of death to be recorded, but intimated that it would commuted to transportation for life. One of the Prisoners—That’s as fair as you can say, we are satisfied now. Southern Reporter, 1 Apr 1828. City Criminal Court. Joseph Sullivan, John McCarthy, and Maurice Drinan, for burglariously entering the dwelling of M Walter Morrogh, in Shandon street, had each sentence of death recorded against him, but will be transported for life. Cork Constitution, 10 April 1828.

56

Wendy Smith on 3rd February 2020

The Australian Convict Indentures states that John McCarthy was 17 years old. He was single and could read and write; religion Roman Catholic and was a shop boy. He was a native of Cork. He was convicted of burglary (House robbery and larceny) at Cork on 29 March 1828. He was sentenced to life and had two prior convictions. Physical attributes: Height 5 feet 0 3/4 inches; complexion ruddy and freckled; hair brown and eyes grey. Transport number 76. Assigned to Woolloomoolloo Road Party.