1367 (Vol. 3)

QUEEN-SQUARE.—VIOLENT ASSAULT ON THE BOX-KEEPER AT ASTLEY’S THEATRE.—Mr. JOHN GRIFFITHS, an assistant to a chemist, of No. 5, Seymour-street, Portman-square, was charged with violently assaulting Thomas Sheffields, and Simmonds, at Astley’s Theatre, on the previous evening, during the performance.—It appeared from the evidence, that the defendant was in No. 5 box, when he considerably annoyed a female sitting in an adjoining box, by reaching over and throwing his arm round her waist. His conduct was so offensive, that it was found necessary to remonstrate with him; but that was useless; and he insisted upon the complaints letting him into the box where the female was whom he had been annoying. They refused to open the box door, and the defendant violently assaulted them both with a “life preserver” (a very formidable weapon worn up the coat sleeves). Simmonds had his nose very much hurt, and Sheffield also received several violent blows about the body with the instrument, before he could be got at.—Mr. Yates, the inspector, produced the “life preserver” taken from the defendant.—The defendant complained of the boxkeepers having used unnecessary violence in removing him.—The MAGISTRATES thought it a case of such aggravated nature, that they would not adjudicate upon it, and ordered the defendant to find bail to answer the charge at the Sessions.