The Sydney Morning Herald, Fri 23 Apr 1875 ¹

(AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS TELEGRAMS.)
———•———
BATHURST.

Thursday.

    At the Circuit Court, Oakes’ [sic] trial for a capital crime was concluded last night. A verdict of guilty was found. Thomas and Cecilia Croaker were convicted of horse-stealing, and were sentenced to two years’ imprisonment with hard labour in Bathurst gaol. Tomlinson, arraigned for wounding with intent to murder at Parkes, was convicted of unlawfully wounding, and was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment with hard labour in Bathurst gaol. Enoch Gray, an American half-caste, was convicted of arson at Goderich, and was remanded for sentence. The case against William McGrath and Elizabeth McGrath, for murder at Grenfell, is still proceeding.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Bathurst Times, Sat 24 Apr 1875 ²

BATHURST CIRCUIT COURT.
———◦———
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21st, 1875. 
(Before his Honor Sir William Manning.)

    His Honour took hi seat on the bench this morning at 10 o’clock.
    Barristers present: Mr Davis, Crown Prosecutor, and Mr D Buchanan.
    Attorneys present: Mr Lee (of the Crown Solicitor’s office) Mr JN McIntosh, Mr W Morgan, and Mr Heydon.
    Judge’s Associate: Mr George Ashwin Cheeke.
    The Judge’s Associate having read the usual proclamation against vice and immorality—
    Mr Davis handed in his commission as Prosecutor for the Crown.
…

BESTIALITY.

    Thomas James Oates was charged with the commission of this crime, [bestiality with a mare ], at Raglan. He pleaded Not guilty, and was defended by Mr Buchanan.

    The Crown Prosecutor opened the case; but for obvious reasons we refrain from giving any portion of the evidence.

    The prisoner was found Guilty, and sentence of death was recorded.

    The court adjourned at a quarter to 9 o’clock.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, Tue 27 Apr 1875 ³

TELEGRAPHIC INTELLIGENCE.
———◦———

…

BATHURST.

Thursday.

    (Herald.)—At the Circuit Court, Oakes’ [sic] trial for a capital crime was concluded last night. A verdict of guilty was found.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Queanbeyan Age, Wed 28 Apr 1875 ⁴

BATHURST CIRCUIT COURT.

Thursday.

AT the Circuit Court, Oakes’ [sic] trial for a capital crime was concluded last night. A verdict of guilty was found.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Thomas James Oates, Gaol photo sheet ⁵ 

---

Gaol Photo Sheet - Transcribed Details

Page No. 166

No. 1323
Number on Gaol Register: 3889

Admitted: 10th August 1875

Prisoner's Name: Thomas Jas. Oates

Native place: White Rock, NSW Year of birth: 1854 Arrived        Ship:  in Colony }   Year:  Trade or occupation previous to conviction  } Laborer Religion: C. E. Education, degree of: R & W Colour of hair: Light brown + curly Colour of eyes: Hazel Height: 5' 10" Weight     On committal: 178 lbs in lbs     }  On discharge:

Special Marks: Wart on the back of right hand  General Description:

(Previous Number ... )  PRISON HISTORY
Where and When				Offence.	Sentence
Bathurst Circuit Court	21	April	1875	Bestiality	Death recorded Commuted to 5 years Roads

 

---

¹  The Sydney Morning Herald, Fri 23 Apr 1875, p. 7. Emphasis added.

²  The Bathurst Times, Sat 24 Apr 1875, p. 4.

³  The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, Tue 27 Apr 1875, p. 2.

⁴  Queanbeyan Age, Wed 28 Apr 1875, p. 2.

⁵  SRNSW: NRS2138, [3/6040], Darlinghurst Gaol photographic description book, 1874-1876, No. 1323, p. 166, R5098.

---