PORTSMOUTH POLICE.
MONDAY.—Before B. W. Carter, Esq., and Captain Maitland.
AN ABSCONDING APPRENTICE.
John Powell, a youth 18 years of age, was charged with having on the 8th of December deserted from the schooner Margaret, belonging to this port, without the leave of his master (Mr. James Bartlett), and without lawful excuse.
Mr. Field appeared for the prosecution.
It appeared that this was not the first time the defendant had deserted the ship. About a month prior to the 8th of December Mr. Bartlett was compelled to obtain the services of a policeman in order to find the defendant, the ship then being on the eve of sailing. On the 8th of December the schooner was about to sail for the North but in consequence of the defendant and another lad deserting she was detained here till Monday, the 10th. The other apprentice had enlisted into one of the regiments at Gosport, but the defendant was found working at Buriton, near Petersfield.
The defendant pleaded guilty.
Mr. Carter said the magistrates must make an example of him, and they sentenced him to 21 days’ imprisonment with hard labour. The defendant would also remember that this did not release him from his indentures, and if he deserted again he would be more severely dealt with.