Transcribed by Selina Lawlor. Pat Purcell Papers. Carlow Sentinel. Report of case tried at Petty Sessions in Carlow Courthouse, October 1846, before Mr Duckett, Resident Magistrate. A DELICATE INVESTIGATION. Betty Murphy, a woman far advanced in years, summoned Bridget Bigley for the committal of a serious assault on Friday last, by which she suffered serious injury. Betty Murphy stated that the assault was entirely unprovoked, Bridget Bigley having unexpectedly attacked her in the public streets. Addressing the Court, Mrs Bigley (a comely looking woman) - Your worships I suppose I will be heard. I found that woman in the house with my husband, and I trashed her (laughter). - She is a terrible character. Mr Burgess stated - In this case - a serious one (laughter) - I am engaged by the defendant, who claims that she is the aggrieved party. Mrs Begley - "I'll tell your worships the case. Betty Murphy has taken up with my husband. I watched her, and I saw her taking my place in the bed with him (roars of laughter). Betty Murphy was cross-examined by Mr Burgess. I am not a married woman now; I was married, but my husband is dead. Mr Burgess was about to proceed to put other questions, when the Judge stated that the witness need not answer if she thought proper. Mrs Bigley - Is there no justice for married women (laughter). There's a woman who has deluded no less, your worship (addressing the Judge), than six men (great laughter). It's the truth, and the bishop and clergy can vouch for it; for her conduct has been brought under their notice. Is that woman to take my place, and to delude my husband? (laughter). Mr Duckett - It is a very delicate question (laughter). Mr Burgess - Well, I will put an end to the discussion by calling on the husband; then you will perceive whether Mrs Bigley was the aggrieved party. True, she committed the assault, but she got great provocation (laughter). Mrs Bigley - "True for you, I did; but that woman (pointing to Betty Murphy) must be taught a lesson" (great laughter). Richard Bigley was then called, and, as the subject of the dispute, it is necessary to observe, that he was anything but a personification of an ADONIS; his appearance in the witness box to settle the dispute between the ladies excited great laughter. On being sworn, he was examined by Mr Burgess. Mr Burgess - Now, as an honest man, I ask you, on your oath, so far as regards Betty Murphy, had your wife any cause to be jealous of you? The witness hesitated. Mr Burgess-Tell the truth, man. Witness - Well, if I must, I will. I think she had (roars of laughter). Mr Duckett - I think the case is of too delicate a nature to inquire further (laughter). The Bench dismissed the case. Mrs Bigley - I thank your worship for your proper decision (laughter). Betty Murphy, on retiring from the court, was followed by a crowd, principally of women, and hooted through the town, and but for the constabulary she would be roughly handled by the fair sex, who took a deep interest in the injuries inflicted by Mrs Bigley.