Cambridge Independent Press 17 Nov 1866: Mrs Careless injured by undergraduate's vehicle

Sad Results from a “Lark.” — Last Saturday week, an old woman named Careless, a laundress, of Trumpington, was returning home from Cambridge with some linen in a donkey cart, accompanied by her daughter, about a quarter to five o’clock in the afternoon. When she got on the other side of Brewer’s nursery grounds, she saw a vehicle coming on at a rapid pace towards her. It contained a member of Trinity College, named Cooke, and a friend, and the vehicle belonged to Mr. Curwain. One of the occupants of the vehicle was heard to say to the other, “Should I,” and the other replied, “Go it.” In a minute or two afterwards, they drove into the donkey cart, the horse making a dash right over it. The consequence was that the old woman was thrown out of her vehicle and had four of her ribs broken. The donkey was so much injured that it has since died, and the old woman’s daughter fortunately escaped unhurt. The gentlemen drove on with the shafts of their vehicle broken. The accident was observed by a man standing near the Windmill-road, and he ran to the old lady’s assistance, and she was conveyed to Trumpington, where she lies in a dangerous state, and is not likely to recover. It is presumed that the young gentlemen did not intend any serious consequences, but only to indulge in a “spree.” That they went a little too far is shown by the fact that Cooke has found it necessary to leave the College. It is only fair towards him to state that he engaged the services of a medical man to attend Mrs. Careless. It is said the affair will terminate in a law suit.