The adjournment of the session was held at Guildhall before the lord mayor, aldermen, recorder, &c. to conclude the business which was left unfinished at the late adjournment, when the following extraordinary trial for an assault was heard:
Thomas Atkins, a serjeant at mace, went on the 24th of last June to serve a process on Mr. Henry Gough, at his house on Holborn-hill; he acquainted Mr. Gough with the nature of his business, who seemed inclined to settle the matter. Mr. Gough going up stairs, the officer followed, when he, Mr. Gough, turned round, and shoved Atkins over the bannister: Mr. Atkins not receiving much hurt, renewed the attack, and a general battle ensued between Gough and Atkins and Gough's man and Atkins's man.
Gough finding the officer too mighty for him to oppose without further assistance, unchained a large fierce animal, which Mr. Atkins affirmed to be a centaur, or griffin; however, it proved to be a man satyr: this had the desired effect, for both Mr. Atkins and follower, upon sight of the beast, wisely declined the fight, and made a precipitate retreat.
The charge being undeniably proved, Mr. Gough was accordingly found guilty, and sentenced to pay a fine of five guineas. Mr. Gough is a dealer in wild beasts.
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