John Sullivan

341

Maureen Withey on 15th August 2024

CAPITAL CONVICTION. John Sullivan, alias Welsh, John Stafford, alias Reed, and John Gaffney, were indicted for highway robbery the Rathmines road, on the night of the 5th March. Thomas Graydon examined by Mr. M'Kane— Lives at Rathmines; was returning home on the night in question, between 12 and 1 o'clock; when he had reached that part of the road where the new chapel is building, saw three men coming towards him, whom he took to Policemen ; on coming up to them he wished them good night, when two of them laid hold of his arms, and the third, Gaffney, stood facing him. Witness told them he had no money about him ; they might search him if they pleased ; Gaffney then look off his, witness’s hat, and put his own on his head : and the three prisoners took off his coat; has no doabt of their identity; the night was clear. After the prisoners had stripped him of his hat and coat, witness heard some one coming along the road, and under the prospect of obtaining assistance, he knocked down one of the prisoners, Sullivan, and seized another of them—a gentleman, named Stamford, came up, whose assistance be requested. One of the prisoners jumped into the field, and Stafford ran off; witness pursued him, but ultimately retumed to assist Mr, Stamford in securing Sullivan, whom they lodged in St. Peter's watch-house. Stafford, or Reed, was apprehended on the following day and identified at the Police Office by witness. Gaffney was taken up some days afterwards, from the description given of him by witness; ... Dublin Morning Register, 11 April 1826.

341

Maureen Withey on 15th August 2024

Irish Convict Database by Peter Mayberry. John Sullivan, alias Walsh, age on arrival, 24, per Phoenix III (1826) Tried at Dublin, 1826, Life for Highway Robbery. No former convictions. DOB, 1802. Native place, Dublin. Single. Catholic. Trade, Hatter finisher.