Listowel, Ireland – In a recent session at the Listowel Petty Sessions, a tramp by the name of John McMahon, also known as John McGee, found himself facing charges of larceny. The prosecution, on behalf of District Inspector Horigan, accused McMahon of stealing a variety of items from the residence of the Earl of Listowel at Gurteen, including forks, spoons, tea, bacon, sugar, clothing, and more. The case unfolded before presiding magistrates, including Messrs. James Woulfe Flanagan, G. McElligott, E. J Stack, and R. H. McCarthy.
Samuel McCormack, a caretaker employed by Lord Listowel, took the stand and testified that on the morning of the 17th of a yet-to-be-determined month, at approximately half-past one o’clock, his wife encountered the defendant, McMahon, in the kitchen of the residence. She questioned McMahon about his presence, to which he replied cryptically, stating that he could not provide an explanation. When pressed further about his identity, he claimed to be John McMahon, hailing from Limerick. It was at this point that McCormack noticed that McMahon was wearing his boots.
McCormack recounted that he escorted McMahon to the barrack gate, but the defendant managed to escape from his custody. Realizing that several items were missing from the residence, McCormack conducted a search and discovered that a number of forks and spoons, which belonged to Mr J. D. Crosbie, were among the missing items. In addition, tea, bacon, sugar, a blouse, jacket, and a set of clothes belonging to Samuel McCormack himself were also reported stolen.
Following McCormack’s testimony, Sergeant Crowley took the stand and informed the court that he had arrested the defendant, John McMahon, at Abbeyfeale. During the arrest, McMahon did not provide any statements except to claim that he was inebriated and had no recollection of the events in question.
In light of the charges, McMahon is now set to stand trial, with the community anxiously awaiting the outcome of this perplexing case.
Kerry News – Wednesday 01 August 1906
