In the Southern Divisional Police Court yesterday before Mr Woodlock, Mr J. J. Walsh applied that Mr Robert Henry Moore, medical student, charged, as already reported, with having wrenched a number of knockers off halldoors in York street, and remanded from the previous day, should be admitted to bail. The sureties, it was stated, would be Dr Webb, Q.C., and Mr Hingston, steward of Trinity College.
Mr Woodlock asked why he should grant the application.
Mr Walsh - Well, your Worship, the very day before the occurrence took place examinations had concluded in Trinity College and the young gentleman was very flushed after them.
Mr Woodlock - And he goes out in the morning at two o'clock to wrench off knockers. Flushed after his examination indeed! Would it be a delicate question to ask if he came off with honours or was plucked?
Mr Walsh said he did not know, but at all events, his client had got over his half B.A., and then he took some drink and did not know what he was doing.
Mr Woodlock - With respect to his having drink I must give the same reply to that argument as I would in the case of a prostitute or a corner boy. Drink is no excuse at all.
The Irish Times, November 27th, 1879.