 The case was dismissed by the Police Court on the basis that intent could not be proved.As a result of this episode, Fothergill temporarily retired from public life although the episode served to strengthen the alliance between Fothergill and Thomas Price, who had been a fellow candidate at the election.Following the closure of the Aberaman Ironworks in 1858, Fothergill became the most substantial ironmaster in the Aberdare Valley, although his works at Llwydcoed and Abernant were small compared with those at Merthyr.