Cambridge Independent Press 11 Mar 1865: Samuel Clarke gamekeeper assaulted

CAMBRIDGE. – A boating Undergraduate of St. John’s College was charged by Charles Clark [sic; actually Samuel Clarke - Ed.], gamekeeper to Mr. Pemberton, of Trumpington, with assaulting him in that parish on the 25th February. Mr. GARRATT appeared for the complainant. In consequence of annoyance to Mr. Pemberton by trespass and to preserve his right, a chain has been placed across the river at a point where his ownership commences; notice boards have also been put up to caution persons from going upon the land adjoining. Notwithstanding this caution defendant, who had pulled up the river in a boat, moored it and was found trespassing by complainant, who called his attention to the notice, which defendant said he could not read; this plea of ignorance was too palpable a deception, and his name was demanded, but he at first refused to disclose it, was very angry that Clark had been so impertinent as to change the position of his boat, and when he was threatened with expulsion from the field for his behaviour, he lifted an oar to strike complainant and pushed him. A witness was called who corroborated in the most important particulars the evidence of Clark. For the defence two gentlemen of defendant’s college were called, whose evidence did not materially contradict that for the prosecution, and defendant was therefore convicted in penalty of 5s. and costs; which, whether from his inability to pay or sympathy for his position, was raised by a sixpenny subscription among many undergraduates of his college, who were present and seemed highly interested in the case.