FRACAS IN A WESLEYAN CHAPEL

FRACAS IN A WESLEYAN CHAPEL.
At Belfield Police Court yesterday, before Mr. E. A. Northcote, James Johnson alias Castillo, was charged with having unlawfully assaulted one David Collin; thereby inflicting grievous bodily harm. The evidence adduced on the part of the prosecution went to show that on the night of the 14th instant, a Sabbath School Anniversary was held at the Wesleyan Chapel, Golden Grove. Whilst the children were delivering their recitations, they were frequently disturbed by several young men. The Rev. C. L. Tabraham requested them several times to behave, but without any effect, and they continued to stamp on the floor and made a great noise. Mr. Tabraham, finding that he was unable to suppress the disorder, applied to his leaders, one of whom was the complainant, to eject them forcibly from the chapel. Mr. Northcote said he did not know whether complainant would proceed with the charge as it stood, for it alleged that grievous bodily harm was inflicted on him; if so, he would have to take depositions..Complainant said he was waylaid by the prisoner, and a brick was thrown with great force at him.
Inspector Stevenson informed his Worship that he had asked the Doctor about the nature of the blow on Collin’s shoulder and he said it was merely a bruise ; therefore he did not think his Worship need waste time in taking, depositions. Mr. Northcote : Enormous charges are generally made against people, and they invariably fail to substantiate them.
Complainant said he would proceed summarily, and went on to state that the disorderly lads pointed to him were Trotman, Morrison, and defendant. He requested the two former to Ieave, which they did, but defendant refused, and complainant and one Sarrabo held him by the hands and dragged him outside of the chapel. At the close of the anniversary, whilst complainant was proceeding home, he was waylaid on the Golden Grove Middle Walk by defendant, who was seen by several persons to throw a brick at the complainant and then run away.
In defence, the defendant said be attended an anniversary at the Golden Grove Chapel, as he had relatives there. During the evening, at the conclusion of each recitation he applauded the scholars by clapping his hands, which was also done by several other persons., Complainant came to him and requested him to leave the Chapel, but he positively refused as no reason was assigned him for leaving.
Complainant then seized him by the jacket, assisted by the other members of the chapel, and dragged him to the door, where Complainant gave him three kicks. He called two witnesses who said they saw Collins kick the defendant at the chapel door. There was a cross-charge of assault against Collins, and the parties having changed places, the same evidence on both sides was adduced.
Johnson alleged that in consequence of the kicks inflicted on a delicate part of his body, he was compelled to consult a medical man, and he produced a medical certificate. Complainant said the Doctor was not present. Mr. Northcote said that in the case against Johnson it seemed to him that the defence set up was absolutely no defence. Defendant would be sentenced to imprisonment for two calendar months. The cross-charge against Collins was dismissed.
Source: Fracas In A Wesleyan Chapel - Demerara Daily Chronicle, Wednesday, May 23, 1883:page 3 Col. 3.