In the summer of 1827, John Lennon and Jim Morrison appeared before the Carrickfergus Assizes charged with stealing sugar, tea and sundry other articles. They were found guilty and although their offences were punishable by death, Lennon and Morrison were sentenced to transportation for life.

According to press reports, they did not accept this verdict well:

“No soon as sentenced was passed, Morrison said “To hell with you!” and, when removing them from the dock, Lennon turned about and threw a penny with force towards the Judge. It struck the head of a gentleman who was sitting under the bench… We have seldom witnessed such a degree of depravity as they evinced.”

Source: Morning Post, London, August 17th 1827. Content on this page is © Alpha History 2019-23. Content may not be republished without our express permission. For more information please refer to our Terms of Use or contact Alpha History.