John FELL alias HILL was charged by the Overseers of the Parish of Orton with leaving his wife and three children destitute, whereby he rendered himself liable to three months imprisonment, with hard labour.

Mr. LITTLE, one of the overseers, stated that FELL had absconded in June, last year, and that his family had been chargeable to Orton since December.

Mr. HODGSON: Where has he been living?

Mr. SABBAGE: He was apprehended at Brampton.

The prisoner’s wife deposed that she and her husband formerly lived at Biglands, near Wigton. He left in June, last year, and she had not heard anything of him till now.

The clerk: Why did he leave you?

Witness: I don’t know.

The clerk: Did he go away with another woman?

Witness: Not at the time; but I have heard since that he is married.

Mr. HODGSON: Where were you married?

Witness: At Sark Bar.

The Clerk: Are you one of the CLARKES of Kirkbride?

Witness: Yes sir.

The marriage certificate, which was put in, showed that John FELL, of Bowness, and Elizabeth CLARKE, of Kirkbride, were married on the 28th day of May, 1849.

In answer to the Bench, the witness explained that all her children were under six years of age.

Prisoner: If she says I am her man, I will take them.

Mr. HODGSON: If she says you are her man!

Mr. REES: Perhaps you will be claimed by another wife?

Dr. BARNES: (to witness): This is your husband?

Witness: Yes sir.

Prisoner: Well, I can’t recollect being married to her. (Laughter.)

Mr. REES: How long did you live together?

Witness: About four years.

Prisoner: I niver lived wid her.

Mr. SABBAGE: He endeavoured to persuade the policeman that he was not the man.

Prisoner: She’s there standing, and she knows I niver tuik a hoose or paid any rent.

Mr. SABBAGE explained that when TURNBULL, the Brampton policeman, brought the prisoner to Carlisle he protested that he was not the man, and threatened what he would do. The result was that the officer had to hire a gig to take him over nearly half the county to get him identified. As soon as his wife saw him she identified him. His apprehension thus cost £1 14s.

Overseer: And there is 10s 6d beside that for the warrant and other things.

Mr. HODGSON: What did you allow this woman?

Overseer: We have allowed her 4s 6d a week since December last. She was chargeable to Aikton before that.

Mr. HODGSON, having summed up items, said that the whole amounted to £10 7s 6d. (To the prisoner): Are you ready to pay that?

Prisoner: I haven’t it on me; but I think I can git it.

The Magistrates here consulted.

Prisoner: Ye needn’t be flate; I’ll nit flee. (Laughter.)

Mr. HODGSON: Are the Parish prepared to take anything less than the whole amount?

Overseer: I am not authorized to do so. I understand he has money.

Mr. HODGSON: If he does not pay he will be sent to gaol for three months.

Prisoner: Well, I think I can git it frae Willie BELL o’ Burtholm. I’ll due the best I can. I didn’t want t’ sit in any gaol, That’ll due nowt for neebody.

Overseer: I have no objection to give him an opportunity of getting the money.

Prisoner: Vara weel; sen a man wid me.

The Clerk: I think you have cost enough already.

Mr. HODGSON: Will Mr. BELL advance you £10 7s 6d? - The parish must be indemnified.

Prisoner: I think he will.

Mr. SABBAGE: I will send a man with him.

Mr. HODGSON: Then he must pay the expenses. If he does not raise the money, he will be committed to gaol for three months, with hard labour.