Carlisle Patriot 15 July 1843 15 July 1843 Smuggling

15 July 1843 Smuggling

A case, illustrating the great folly and danger of dealing in smuggled goods, was tried before the Justice of Peace Court here yesterday.  It was discovered under the following rather singular and simple circumstances: - Davidson, one of the most active of our police officers, observed, a few days ago, a female dealer in second hand goods passing along Hamilton-street, carrying a basket, which, from its extra weight, attracted his attention.  Suspecting that it might be some illegal transaction, he dogged the bearer to the house of a spirit-dealer in the town, where she left the basket.  He immediately entered and requested a sight of it, which the landlord refused.  This increased his suspicions, and ere he could procure assistance to search the premises, the landlady had succeeded in throwing it out of a window into a back court.  One of the officers getting his eye on the affair, ran round to the court instantly and got the basket, which, instead of being filled with stolen goods, as was suspected, contained a large jar of excellent brandy - a matter of doubly serious nature to the unlucky landlord.  A prosecution was, of course, commenced at the instance of the Collector of Customs, and the case brought before the court yesterday.  After proof was had, the justices gave a conviction, and imposed the mitigated fine of £25 on the landlord and £25 on his wife.  The female smuggler and a sister, who was also implicated, were sentenced to six months' confinement in Paisley Gaol. Greenock Observer.

 

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