Manslaughter mystery

[Yoric]

Hi all,
Whilst researching my partners past we came across this in her family history
Her 3rd Great Grandfather, Joseph Gates from Simpton, Buckinghamshire
According to the Dorset, England, Calendars of Prisoners, 1854-1904, was jailed for 3 days in Nov 1859, at the age of 28, after pleading guilty to manslaughter of Thomas Armstrong in Buckhorn Weston, Dorset.
We found Thomas Armstrong's burial record as 25 Nov 1858 in Buckhorn-Weston, Dorset
However we can find no other details to the nature of the event- we assume an accident due to the short duration of imprisonment. And, why he was there. We think his occupation was a brick maker?!
Any ideas or info on where I may obtain this information would be appreciated.
Thanks

[Kay99]

Poole & Dorset Herald 10 March 1859

Wednesday 9 March 1859 Joseph Gates was brought up to recieve sentance for manslaughter.  Mr E Cole provided evidence that the prisoner was not inculpated.  His Lordship dealt with leniantly considering that the prisoner had been kept in custody for 13 weeks and sentanced him to be imprisoned for 3 days

[Kay99]

Sherborne Mercury 15 March 1859

This article states that the death was a result of a fair fight and the fight was forced on the prisoner who was an inoffensive man with a peaceful nature - Two men spoke on his behalf

[Yoric]

Hi Kay99,
Thanks for the quick reply! Very interesting!!

By the term 'inculpated' does this mean that he was not to blame?

Is there an online link to the Poole & Dorset Herald newspaper to see if I can find the background to this story?

Yoric

[ShaunJ]

They both worked on the Salisbury and Yeovil Railway. Gates was a navvy. Contemporary accounts of the fight in November 1858 newspapers name the deceased as Thomas Cumberland.

[Kay99]

I think the secord article I posted details is more helpful and I think not inculpated is not to blame

The articles are on FindMyPast but you need a subscription

[Fisherman]

Yoric

Inculpate means to blame.
As Kay99 said he was not inculpated so not to blame.

[Yoric]

We guessed as much that it was an accidental incident due to the sentence
But a fascinating event that ended so tragically

The railway link explains a lot to why he was so far from home- thanks ShaunJ

[Yoric]

Thanks, will have to brush up on legal jargon prior to reading these articles1