JOSEPH PERCY

The inhabitants of Pound-street were on Sunday evening treated to a somewhat alarming diversion by the announcement that at No. 5, Bartholomew-terrace there was a lunatic with a loaded six-chamber revolver, threatening to shoot anyone who approached him. It appeared that the individual in question was a young man named Joseph Percy, about 28 years of age, and was living with his aunt, Miss Langton. The police were fetched, but as Percy barricaded himself in a room, and declared his intention of " putting a pea " into the body of any who interfered with him, Supt. Bennett wisely advised that he should be let alone, and be allowed to cool down. This advice was followed, and Sergt.Seagrove remained in the house for some time. Miss Langton did not seem to anticipate any violence to herself. Next morning Percy was watched, and directly an opportunity afforded itself, the revolver was seized by the watchers. He immediately started off to Mr. Walker's, the gunsmith's, where he had purchased the pistol, to attempt to get another. His strange appearance, however, aroused Mr. Walker's suspicions, and he detained him in conversation until he saw Sergt. Seagrove pass the shop. The officer was called in, and under pretence of going to see Supt. Bennett to obtain protection, Percy was induced to go to the police station. Here by a little stratagem, a knife was taken from him, and the attendance of a magistrate at once secured. In the presence of Ald. Absalom, J.P., and Mr. Hattatt, Relieving Officer, an order was made for the removal of Percy to Moulsford Asylum, whither he was taken the same morning by Mr. Hattat.