The Western Times; Exeter Saturday 5 Jun 1858 Page 7
CULLOMPTON.
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PETTY SESSIONS. - TOWN HALL, MAY 31.
Magistrates present: - E. S. DREWE, Esq. (chairman), Rev. J. HUYSHE, Rev. J. P. SYDENHAM, W. C. GRANT, J. W. WALROND, and H. T. TUCKER, Esqrs.
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SERIOUS CHARGE. - Henry ROOKLEY was summoned by Mary Ann DUNN for indecently assaulting her early on the morning of Thursday, the 28th May, with intent. &c. Complainant was at Kentisbeare waiting for her young mistress who was there at a party, but understanding that her mistress was to ride home she walked towards home with a young woman named JAMES and a police officer. They had not proceeded far before defendant (who had been in the company of the girls in the course of the evening) came up with them and demanded of the police officer “his girl,” (it seems that JAMES and ROOKLEY had been dancing together) and offered to fight the police officer, when complainant pulled him by the arm to keep him from doing so. ROOKLEY and DUNN then walked on together; the police officer and JAMES when back again to Kentisbeare. ROOKLEY threw the girl down twice but was resisted by her. The Bench convicted him in the penalty of £5, or the alternative of 2 calendar months' imprisonment. The Chairman censured the police officer very much in not seeing that the girl was properly protected, and handed him over to Captain DICK for neglect of duty.
AFFILIATION. - Henry MURCH was summoned by Ann LEAT to show cause why he should not contribute towards the maintenance of her illegitimate child, and of which she alleged him to be the father. Defendant did not deny it but said he could not get married yet. A full order 2s 6d per week was made.