That’s no way to crack Christmas NUTS. Samuel Patmans unfortunate Christmas surprise.

The Sydney Morning Herald

Thursday 19 May 1853

Parramatta.

John and Mary Clark, husband and wife, of Pennant Hills, were indicted for wounding,   with intent to do some grievous bodily harm, to one Samuel Pateman, a sawyer in the same district.

The second count charged the prisoners with a common assault.

From the evidence adduced, it seems that the prosecutor, who was a sober man, went to prisoners' house the day after Christmas day last (Sunday), to pay a friendly visit, and whilst there, some words took place between the man and wife, when Mrs. Clark ran at her husband, took down a gun which was loaded ; prosecutor, who was on the best of terms with the prisoners, fearing Clarke intended to do some mischief, caught hold of the muzzle of the gun to wrest it away, and the woman, with the same intent, pulled the trigger, and the contents lodged in the groin of Pateman, who said to prisoners " you have ruined me."

They immediately threw down the gun and went, it appears that they were both drunk.

Dr, Bassett attended the prosecutor, and spoke of the very narrow escape from death, the whole charge having lodged in the thigh after doing other mischief.

The Jury acquitted the prisoners of the first count, but found them guilty of a common assault; and the Court sentenced them each to pay a fine of £5 to the Queen, which was immediately done. Counsel   for the prisoners, Mr. Purtfoy; attorney, Mr. Lyons.

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