Constable James HARTE (38)
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PC Harte as a result of injuries received after being assaulted in Hawthornvale whilst assisting to secure a prisoner.
On the evening of Monday 2nd April 1900, Inspector McDonald and PC Harte of the Leith Burgh Police attended at Trafalgar Lane where they arrested a male for Breach of the Peace.
The man resisted violently, punching and kicking the officers in an attempt to escape. During the fracas, PC Harte was kicked with considerable force to his abdomen but was able to hold on to his prisoner.
‘It was only with the greatest of difficulty that the accused was conveyed to the police station at Newhaven.’
Once at the police station PC Harte collapsed and swiftly lost consciousness, he was taken to his home at 5 Prince Regent Street and a doctor sent for. He never regained consciousness and died at 03:30 on the 4th April. Subsequent examination found he had died of an aneurism, probably brought on by his exertions.
The accused was subsequently tried at the Sheriff court on charges of Breach of the Peace and Police Assault. The assault was found not proven and he was fined 10 shillings with the alternative of 3 days imprisonment for the Breach of the Peace.
PC James Harte was 38 years of age with 8 years police service. He was a native of Ireland and had been a schoolteacher before joining the police. ‘He left a widow and eight children, having been married twice’.
His widow, Mary worked as a charwoman and took in lodgers to get by, whilst supporting his children. His first wife had died from heart failure under chloroform, whilst being treated for complications of lung disease in 1894.
Mary would appear to have remained in the Leith area where she died in 1950 aged 80.
PC John Harte’s name is engraved on the Scottish Police Memorial and will never be forgotten.
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