James Ryan

James Ryan was a laborer living in Redan,.

History
Ryan was found guilty of assault and using obscene language, and given a large fine or imprisonment. Being unable to pay he was sentenced to six months gaol. His friends began a campaign to agitate for his release in June 1915: "HEAVILY FINED REDAN RESIDENT'S PLIGHT. CAST INTO GAOL WIFE AND CHILDREN SUFFER. An agitation is under way at Redan to secure a remission of the sentence imposed on James Ryan, who was last Saturday week at the City Court fined £10 or three months' imprisonment, on two charges, one of using obscene language, and the other of resisting arrest. The circumstances are as follow:— Ryan, who had been taking drink, had made himself a nuisance at his father's house, Darling Street, Redan, and the latter sent for the police. Senior-constable Blanchfield went to the place, and persuaded Ryan to leave, but as the constable was going away Ryan made use of an obscene expression, having reference to the 'policeman,' and the latter went back to arrest him for the use of it. Ryan, according to Senior-constable Blanchfield's statement, which was not denied in court, then shaped up, and struck him twice. It was only after a prolonged struggle that Ryan was subdued and lodged in the watch-house. When before the court, Ryan informed the bench (Messrs C. Walker, C. Morris, and T. Bodycomb, J.'sP.) that he did not remember anything about it. The chairman (Mr Walker) lectured Ryan before sentencing him, and said the bench were determined to uphold the police in carrying out their duties. The effect of the sentence is that Ryan, being unable to pay the £20 ordered, is undergoing six months' imprisonment. He is a married man, with a wife and family, and the latter are faced with a long struggle for existence, unless their breadwinner is released. Those who know Ryan vouch for his being a hard-working man, and one who is good to those depending on him. He has a failing when in drink that he is inclined to be boisterous, but it is stated that only at rare intervals does such a thing occur. Most of the time he is engaged away from the city in laborious work at road-making. His employer for years past, Mr William Bradshaw, Skipton, gives him a good character as an honest, hard-working man. A petition is being prepared, and will shortly be circulated for signature, praying, in the circumstances, for a reduction or remission of the sentence, which is considered to be unduly harsh. It is stated that had the fine been a reasonable one, Ryan would have been able to pay it."