John Scoffle

221

D Wong on 27th April 2017

National Records of Scotland Precognition against John Scoffle, Susan Mathies, Thomas McCallum, James Merry, Catherine Meikle, Catherine Barry for the crime of robbery, or theft, habit and repute, and previous conviction Dates 1839 Accused John Scoffle, alias Schoffield or Coffin, weaver, Address: Ayr Susan Mathies, alias Matheson, Address: Cross Street, Wallacetown, Ayrshire Thomas McCallum, collier, Address: Cross Street, Wallacetown, Ayrshire James Merry, alias Murray, shoemaker, Address: Ayr Catherine Meikle, alias Michael, wife of John Meikle or Michael, sailor, m.s. Shaw, Address: Cross Street, Wallacetown, St. Quivox, Ayrshire Catherine Barry, Address: Gordon Street, Newton, Ayr Catherine Barry, Verdict: Guilty, Verdict Comments: Guilty - recommendation for leniency, Sentence: Transportation - 10 years. Note: Jury recommended pannel to the leniency of the Court owing to there being no evidence that 'their crime was the result of any long conceived design'. (Gilbert Henderson 1840 to VDL). Catherine Meikle, alias Michael, wife of John Meikle or Michael, sailor, m.s. Shaw, Verdict: Guilty, Verdict Comments: Guilty - recommendation for leniency, Sentence: Transportation - 10 years. Note: Jury recommended pannel to the leniency of the Court owing to there being no evidence that 'their crime was the result of any long conceived design'. (Gilbert Henderson 1840 to VDL). John Scoffle, alias Schoffield or Coffin, Verdict: Guilty, Sentence: Transportation - 14 years James Merry, alias Murray, Verdict: Guilty, Verdict Comments: Guilty - recommendation for leniency, Sentence: Transportation - 10 years. Note: Jury recommended pannel to the leniency of the Court owing to there being no evidence that 'their crime was the result of any long conceived design'. (Asia 1840 to VDL). Thomas McCallum, Verdict: Guilty, Verdict Comments: Guilty - recommendation for leniency, Sentence: Transportation - 10 years. Note: Jury recommended pannel to the leniency of the Court owing to there being no evidence that 'their crime was the result of any long conceived design'. (Asia 1840 to VDL). Susan Mathies, alias Matheson, Verdict: Guilty, Sentence: Transportation - 14 years. (Gilbert Henderson 1840 to VDL). John Scoffle is not listed on the NSW Gov. Convict Records. He was sent to Norfolk Island, left per 'Duke of Richmond' on 23/2/1844 and arrived in VDL on 12/3/1844. John was then described as: 31 years old, 5'3 1/2" tall, fresh complexion, dark brown hair, brown whiskers, light grey eyes, M D and blue mark on left arm, lancet mark on right arm, scar on left eyebrow, can read. 22/1/11850: TOL 16/3/1852: TOL revoked, absent from muster. 17/5/1852: TOL/Misconduct in presenting himself to be free and trying to procure a special clearance - nine months hard labour - TOL revoked. Not to enter service in Hobart or Launceston. 10/11/1853: COF 5/4/1859 The South Australian Advertiser: John Scoffle tendered for making the ford over the Wakefield, near Kerconda for £25.17.04 - his bid was accepted. Nothing found on the SA, Vic, or NSW BDM,s.