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| Star Inn, Date Unknown |
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| Old Star Inn, 1750. Painting by John Wilson Senior |
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| Mural at Star Inn during demolition. My thanks to Christine Warren for permission to use this photo.Link to her "Folkestone Then and Now" site is on main start page. Excellent and very informative site! |
Canterbury Journal 5-8-1848
On Wednesday night last three men, named Cook and Marshall, of Canterbury, and Strood, of Littlebourne, were apprehended at Newington, near Hythe, on a charge of stealing malt from the premises of Mr. Rigden, at that place. They had nineteen sacks filled, and were in the act of removing them in two carts, when they were captured by some young men who had been playing a match of cricket, and were returning home after spending the evening at the Star Inn.
They were taken before the Venerable the Archdeacon Croft, and committed to Maidstone to take their trial. Cook is the same man that was stopped by the police of Canterbury, about seven years ago, with a wagon load of malt for which he could give no account, and which, after every fruitless enquiry had been made, was seized by the Excise.
Canterbury Journal 21-10-1848 & Kentish Gazette 21-10-1848
East Kent Sessions
The Michaelmas session was held at St. Augustine's on Friday, before J. B. Wildman, Esq. (chairman), and other magistrates, among whom were: Sir Brook W. Bridges, Bart., the Hon. H. S. Law, J. P. Plutnptre, Esq., M.P., J, Godfrey, Esq., G. Gipps, Esq., E. Foss, Esq., G. M. Taswcll, Esq., W. C. Fairman, Esq., W. Delmar, Esq., M. Bell, Esq., E. N. H. D’Aeth, Esq., Rev. J. Hilton, &c.
Thomas Cook, alias Stickals, 44, John Stroud, 42, George Marshall, 32, and Henry King, 51, charged with having, on the 3rd August, stolen nine quarters of malt, value £30, the property of Thomas Rigden, of Newington, next Hythe.
The prisoners, who had been committed to Maidstone gaol, had been brought thence for trial. A great number of witnesses had been subpoenaed. The extent to which robberies of this description had been carried increased the degree of interest felt in the town, the more especially as most of the parties were well-known, two of them having formerly kept beer shops here, and one of the others being a market gardener of Littlebourne, who was always thought to be an industrious and honest man.
Messrs. Horn and Tassell were for the prosecution, and Messrs. Rose and Russell for the defence.
Mr. Horn, in opening the case for the prosecution, observed that it was not necessary, in order to convict all the prisoners, that they should have been bodily engaged in stealing the malt. It was sufficient if they were found so near as to be able to assist in it. It was necessary to bring home the guilt of the actual thieves, before others could be charged with aiding and abetting. Cook and Marshall resided at Canterbury; Stroud at Littlebourne; and King at Ramsgate. On the morning previous to the robbery, as he would show, Cook, King and Marshall were together at the Chance public house in Canterbury. In the afternoon of the same day, two, if not three of them, were at the White Lion in the same place; and on the evening prior to the robbery, about half past eight o`clock, King and another person were together at Elmsted, having with them a horse and cart, which had been hired of a person in Canterbury. The prisoners had two horses and carts with them on the occasion of the robbery, one of them belonging to Stroud. The learned counsel produced a plan of the premises, to show the situation in which the prisoners were seen, especially Marshall, to lead to the inference that he was aiding and abetting in the removal of the stolen property; and after detailing a variety of particulars connected with the concert of the prisoners, together with their arrest, proceeded to call the following witnesses:
J.B. Horn, assistant to Mr. Messenger, architect, of Folkestone, was examined merely as to the correctness of the plan produced, as regarded distances.
H. Rigden, maltman to prosecutor, deposed that on Wednesday, the 2nd of August, he left the malthouse locked and barred. There were forty or fifty quarters of malt in bin, but none in sack. Next morning he found nineteen sacks, not belonging to his master, filled with malt.
Jno. Attwood, landlord of the Chance, at Canterbury, knew the prisoners; Cook, Marshall and King were at his house on the 2nd August between ten and eleven o`clock; Cook and Marshall lived at Canterbury, Stroud at Littlebourne, and King at Ramsgate. King met with an accident at his house on the previous Tuesday night, by which he was marked across the nose, and he put on a brown patch, which he had on the Wednesday.
Thomas Taylor, landlord of the White Lion, Canterbury, knew the prisoners Cook, Stroud and Marshall, and spoke positively of the former two being at his house on the afternoon of the 2nd August; he could not state so positively in respect of the last mentioned, though a man came in with a patch on his nose, but he believed that he did not communicate with the others.
Cross-ezamined: Never, to his knowledge, before saw King, and, therefore, was not able to say that he was the one who came with the patch on his nose.
Benj. Barnes, licensed to let horses at Canterbury, remembered the prisoner Cook hiring of him a bay horse in the afternoon of the 2nd August, for the purpose, as he stated, of going about six miles into the country. The horse not being returned, he made inquiry, and found it at prosecutor`s house a week after.
Thos. Philpot, a boy in the employ of Mr. Church, at the George, at Elmsted, deposed to two men coming to the George with a bay horse, about half past eight on the day in question, one of them having a patch on his nose. He pointed out the prisoner King as one of the men, who bore the patch; he believed Cook was the other. They came from Canterbury, and told Mr. Church they were going to Hythe, in which direction they went. They wore white coats, or gaberdines, like those produced, though he was not quite sure; and did not stay long.
Cross-examined: Could not recollect, when before the magistrate, whether they were gaberdines or coats worn by the men.
Re-examined: Only King was before the magistrate; had not seen Cook since that night.
James Fisher, shepherd to T. Rigden, of Cheriton, was at the Star, at Newington, on the 2nd August; had been to a cricket match, and on leaving the Star saw two carts with horses standing by the side of the road, about 100 yards from the Star. A man, who was with them, asked if the people were all gone from the Star, which raised his suspicion, and he proceeded to Longport Farm, about 150 yards from the Star, and there saw Sawkins, who agreed to watch with him (witness). Witness then proceeded towards the malthouse which was about a quarter of a mile from the Star. Hearing a noise, as he thought, within the malthouse or outside, he proceeded to the gate near the malthouse, and saw a man come from it with a sack on his back. He rushed towards the man, who dropped the sack and ran away to Mr. Dunn`s stack-yard; after that he saw another man, whom he pointed out to be Stroud, come out of the malthouse with another sack on his back. Witness collared him and threw him down, on which another man came up and threatened him with a violent expression if he (witness) did not let his mate go. A third also struck him two blows. Witness did not let the one go of whom he had hold, but called loudly for assistance. They scuffled till they got into the river, where witness held him (the prisoner Stroud) full twenty minutes till assistance was rendered by Mr. Dunn, and then they took the prisoner to the Star, and delivered him into the hands of Rye, the constable. On their way thither they saw Marshall on the road with two horses and carts, at the place where he first saw him. He took him also into custody and delivered him into the hands of Rye.
Cross-examined: Saw some man with the carts as soon as he (witness) left the Star; it was a light night; did not see the man who ran away go into Mr. Dunn`s stack-yard.
James Dunn, farmer at Newington, who was also at the Star on the night in question, deposed to seeing the two horses and carts standing by the side of the road, which excited his suspicions, and he went back and asked him for whom he was waiting; he replied his “governor”. Witness returned to the Star, but on hearing a hallooing went towards the malthouse, when he met two of the party who had been at the Star, with a man who was stated to be King. On reaching the malthouse he found Fisher and Stroud in the river. Witness helped them out and went to Mr. Rigden`s. On going to his father`s stack-yard he found a man, who proved to be Cook, behind a wheat stack. He spoke to him three times but received no answer, on which witness collared him, who in return kicked him (witness). Witness threw him down, and with the aid of others gave him into Rye`s custody. Witness, with others, afterwards secured Marshall, who was standing by the side of the horses and carts. Next morning witness found a bundle of clothes, consisting of two coats, in a field adjoining the road where the carts stood. Witness also took the other coats produced out of the carts.
Cross-examined: Witness was of the cricketing party, but had not drunk more than to excite him a little.
John Oldham, carpenter of Newington, who was one of the party at the Star on the day aforementioned, corroborated the evidence as to seeing Marshall with the horses and carts, and asked him if he had got a waiting job, to which he replied in the affirmative, and stated that the party was at the Star. On that witness repaired again to the Star, and finding that there was no-one there for whom he could be waiting, returned towards the cart with the last witness, in doing which he heard a hallooing in the direction of the malthouse, and met King, who was walking very fast towards Folkestone, and was out of breath. In reply to a question from witness he said he was going to Hythe, but witness told him he was in the wrong direction; and on his walking fast, witness bade him not to walk so fast, as he heard a hallooing, which he supposed the prisoner did also, but he said he did not, as he was deaf. On witness collaring him he said he was in a hurry, and wanted to get off. He replied in answer to a question by another person that he knew nothing of Marshall of the carts; and on detaining him twenty minutes, witness let him go again. He had no doubt of the prisoner King being the same man. Witness on a subsequent day, the 14th Aug., went to Ramsgate, and there identified King as the man whom he had seen in the road. In reply to a question whether or not he knew anything of the malt robbery, he replied in the negative, and Kemp then took him into custody. He had a good opportunity of seeing King when detaining him on the 2nd Aug.; he had a patch on his nose. When taking him the second time he had a scar on his nose at the same place where the patch had been.
George Rigden, son of prosecutor, who was at the Star on the evening in question, corroborated the evidence as to seeing Marshall in the way described, by the side of the road and the conversation that took place with him, as to its being suspicious that he was there with the carts and hearing the hallooing; together with King`s coming up, with a brown patch on his nose, and his subsequent arrest at Ramsgate. He spoke positively as to the identity of King being the same man who was met on the road.
Cross-examined: King had a mark on his nose when apprehended at Ramsgate; that was a part of his reason for believing him to be the same person he had met on the road, beside which a lantern was held up to his face when on the road.
Thos. Kemp, constable at Hythe, who went with the last two witnesses to Ramsgate on the 14th of August, corroborated their testimony. On taking Cook, Stroud and Marshall to Maidstone, Cook said they had thrown some garments over the hedge. King did not appear deaf when apprehended.
James Rye, constable at Newington, received into his custody on the night in question Cook, Stroud and Marshall. Picked up a pot near the Star door, when Cook said “It appears someone was going to serve that pot as we were going to serve the malt”. Found a box of Lucifer matches on Cook.
Cross-examined: Was quite sure the expression was what he had stated, and that Cook used the word “we” and not “they”.
Thos. Rigden, the prosecutor, deposed to the malt in the malthouse being his property. Had seen the notices put in, sent by Mr. Delasaux on the behalf of Cook and Stroud, claiming the two carts and one horse which were in his (witness`s) possession, being those which were taken on the night in question. On one of the carts were the words “John Stroud, fruiterer, Littlebourne”. The horse and carts were still in his (witness`s) possession. (The notices were then read threatening the prosecutor with actions of trover if the horse and carts were not given up.)
Cross-examined: Was ordered by the committing magistrate to detain the horse and carts.
Henry Rigden, son of the prosecutor, who went to the malthouse after seeing the prisoners safely lodged at the Star, found the door unlocked, two sacks filled with malt outside, and seventeen others filled inside. One of them bore the name “Collard, Hoath Mill, 45”, and the other “J. Sharpe, Canterbury”. None of the sacks belonged to his father.
Mr. Rose objected to this evidence relating to the sacks when none were produced.
Examination continued: Found a dark lantern in the malthouse, and a cap outside. There were about nineteen and a half quarters of malt in the sacks, the value being about £30.
Mr. Rose, in defence, did not attempt to dispute the evidence as regarded Stroud, but submitted there was not sufficient to convict either of the other three; in respect of King that there was not sufficient identity, and that as regarded Cook it was inexplicable how, if he had been concerned in the robbery, he should have remained so long in the stack-yard, as was alleged, after the man having been seen go thither, and his being taken out. In reference to Marshall also, Mr. R. contended that he was not found to have been sufficiently near to render assistance as he was above a quarter of a mile from the place whence the malt was taken. The learned counsel then called two witnesses to speak to Stroud`s previous good character.
The Chairman, in summing up, directed especial attention to Cook`s expression on being taken to the Star as sufficient proof of his guilt; that King was amply identified, beside which he was running very much out of breath in the opposite direction whence the call for help came; and he directed attention to the account he gave of himself when accosted as to where he was going, and his pretence of deafness when there was no proof of it. As regarded Marshall there was no doubt that he was in the road with the horses and carts, with the view of rendering assistance on the removal of the malt, which he substantiated by reading the law on the question, pointing out that if a man watched at a convenient distance for the purpose of preventing surprise to his companions and to favour their escape, or if necessary to come to their assistance, the knowledge of which was calculated to give them additional confidence, he was present aiding and abetting.
The jury, after a very brief consultation, returned a verdict of Guilty against all the prisoners.
The Chairman expressed his perfect concurrence with the verdict, and in passing sentence said it was with great pain he addressed the prisoners, as the crime of which they had been found guilty was one of a most serious nature, which they had evidently conducted in a way that proved to the Court they had made it their business, and that it was by no means the first attempt they had made in such a course. The planning of the robbery and the manner in which it had altogether been conducted convinced the Court that the prisoners were old offenders in the crime of which they stood convicted. It was absolutely that the desperate attempts which were continually made in this way on the property of the country should be put a stop to, and he knew of no other way in which that could be but by making a most serious example of those cases which, like this, were brought home. The sentence that he was directed by the Court to pass was that each of them be transported beyond the seas to the place which Her Majesty should think fit, for the term of ten years.
The severity of this sentence produced a great sensation in Court. The culprits had scarcely left the dock before they were recalled, when the Chairman stated that he had been in error in thinking that he could not pass a lighter sentence than ten years` transportation. Having been set right, he was directed to sentence the prisoners severally to be transported seven years. This, sorrowful as it was, came as some relief to the convicts, who, in the moment or two that had elapsed since the first passing of the sentence had suffered something, as their countenances indicated.
The trial lasted nearly four hours.
Canterbury Journal 16-12-1848
Mr. T. Delasaux held an adjourned inquest yesterday (Friday) at the Star public house, at Newington, next Hythe, on the body of Richard Barton, a chair bottomer, who had come to his death through a quarrel.
The depositions, as taken at each sitting, were the following:
Richard Marsh, of Newington, stated that on Friday night, a little before nine o`clock, he was in the public house above mentioned, as was the deceased, who was intoxicated.
John Baker and George Wells jun.: They were there drinking, and Baker said to the deceased “You had better go, or someone may steal your rushes”, upon which the deceased immediately took off his clothes and said “I will let your inside out”. Baker begged him to be quiet, and accordingly he sat down a short time, but got up again and pushed his hands towards the face of Baker, who held his hands up to prevent being struck. The contest continued for nearly half an hour. Deceased then took from his pocket a hog knife (produced), and held it towards Baker while wrangling was going on, and was in the act of sitting down again when Baker struck him on the right side of the head and he fell against the grate. Deceased was picked up an carried out of doors. Mr. George, a medical gentleman, residing at a distance of two miles, was sent for, but before his arrival deceased was dead.
George Wells, blacksmith, one of the company, corroborated portions of the above, adding that deceased asked Baker for some beer previous to his advising him to go lest he might lose his rushes, upon which deceased said “Do you mean to steal my rushes?” Baker replied “No. I mean someone will steal them”. The deceased replied “I will knock your head off”, and, placing himself in a fighting attitude, he put his fist close to the head of Baker, who defended himself by putting his hands before his face. This occurred several times. Deceased was much excited, and by his threatening language and menacing attitude, and being close to Baker, he (witness), had he been in Baker`s place, should have considered his life in danger. Shortly after this, Baker struck him, and he fell against the grate. He was immediately conveyed out of doors, and afterwards into the stable.
John Paramore also spoke to the violent conduct of the deceased, and of his attempting to take something Baker was eating, when Baker told him he should not have any, and that he had better go and mind his rushes or someone would steal them. Witness detailed the subsequent proceedings as already given, and of deceased`s appearing very ill when he was conveyed outside.
Mr. E. George, surgeon, of Folkestone, who was called in to the deceased between eleven and twelve o`clock at night, when lying in the Star stable, deposed that on his arrival he found the deceased dead, and nearly cold. On an external examination he found a narrow wound of an inch in length in the front of the chin, extending to the bone, a narrow, superficial wound in the right cheek, and a severe contusion on the right ear and the parts adjacent. He also found a quantity of extravenated blood in the integuments of the right external ear, passing immediately above and behind. The vessels on the entrance of the brain were slightly congested; otherwise the general appearances of the brain were healthy; nor were there any morbid appearances, sufficient to cause death on the chest and abdomen. On Thursday he further examined the upper part of the spine, and found the vertebrae, ligaments and marrow perfectly sound and healthy. He was of opinion that the deceased died from a severe concussion of the brain, which might have been occasioned by a blow.
As it appeared very clear that Baker had acted only in self-defence, a verdict of “Justifiable homicide” was returned.
Dover Telegraph 16-12-1848
Inquest, before T.T. Delasaux Esq.; On Monday, at Newington, near Hythe, on Richard Barton. It appeared that deceased, with a number of others, among whom was one John Baker, were drinking at the Star tap on Friday evening, when deceased, taking offence at some words, struck at Baker, upon which the latter stabbed him with a large knife, which caused his death. The inquest was adjourned till tomorrow.
Kentish Gazette
19-12-1848
Inquest by Mr. Delasaux: On Monday, at Newington, near Hythe, on Richard Barton. It appeared that deceased, with a number of others, among whom was one John Baker, were drinking at the Star-tap on Friday evening, when deceased, taking offence at some words, struck at Baker, upon which the latter stabbed him with a large knife, which caused his death.
Maidstone Gazette
19-12-1848
Mr. T. Delasaux held an adjourned inquest yesterday (Friday) at the Star public house, at Newington, next Hythe, on the body of Richard Barton, a chair bottomer, who had come to his death through a quarrel.
The depositions, as taken at each sitting, were the following:
Richard Marsh, of Newington, stated that on Friday night, a little before nine o`clock, he was in the public house above mentioned, as was the deceased, who was intoxicated, John Baker and George Wells jun.: They were there drinking, and Baker said to the deceased “You had better go, or someone may steal your rushes”, upon which the deceased immediately took off his clothes and said “I will let your inside out”. Baker begged him to be quiet, and accordingly he sat down a short time, but got up again and pushed his hands towards the face of Baker, who held his hands up to prevent being struck. The contest continued for nearly half an hour. Deceased then took from his pocket a hog knife (produced), and held it towards Baker while wrangling was going on, and was in the act of sitting down again when Baker struck him on the right side of the head and he fell against the grate. Deceased was picked up an carried out of doors. Mr. George, a medical gentleman, residing at a distance of two miles, was sent for, but before his arrival deceased was dead.
George Wells, blacksmith, one of the company, corroborated portions of the above, adding that deceased was much excited, and by his threatening language and menacing attitude, and being close to Baker, he (witness), had he been in Baker`s place, should have considered his life in danger.
John Paramore also spoke to the violent conduct of the deceased.
Mr. E. George, surgeon, of Folkestone, who was called in to the deceased between eleven and twelve o`clock at night, when lying in the Star stable, stated that on his arrival he found the deceased dead, and nearly cold. He was of opinion that the deceased died from a severe concussion of the brain, which might have been occasioned by a blow.
As it appeared very clear that Baker had acted only in self-defence, a verdict of “Justifiable homicide” was returned.
On Friday Mr. Eaden held an inquest, at the Star Inn, Newington, next Hythe, on the body of Edward Nutley, who died a short lime after going to bed.
Mr W. Bateman, surgeon, examined the body, and had no doubt that death was caused by the rupture of a blood vessel on the brain. He had attended deceased, and from bit full habit of body, he believed immediate death from apoplexy had resulted.
Ann Nutley, widow of deceased, stated to her having retired to rest with her husband at about nine o'clock, in his usual good health, - that about 12 she was awoke by his suddenly turning in bed. She spoke to him but received no reply. She lifted his bead from the pillow but he died immediately. Deceased was 67 years of age.
Verdict, “Natural Death.”
Canterbury Journal
1-7-1854
Inquest:
At the Star Inn, Newington next Hythe, yesterday se`ennight, on the body of
Edward Nutley, who died a short time after going to bed. Mr. W. Bateman,
surgeon, examined the body, and had no doubt death was caused by the breaking
of a blood vessel on the brain. He had attended deceased, and from his full
habit of body he believed immediate death from apoplexy had resulted. Ann
Nutley, widow of deceased, stated to her having retired to rest with her
husband at about nine o`clock in his usual health; that about twelve she awoke
by his suddenly turning in bed. She spoke to him, but received no reply. She
lifted his head from the pillow, but he died immediately. Deceased was 67 years
of age. Verdict: Natural Death.
Dover Chronicle
1-7-1854
On Friday Mr. Eaden held an inquest at the Star Inn, Newington next Hythe, on the body of Edward Nutley, who died a short time after going to bed. Mr. W. Bateman, surgeon, examined the body, and had no doubt death was caused by the rupture of a blood vessel on the brain. He had attended deceased, and from his full habit of body he believed immediate death from apoplexy had resulted. Ann Nutley, widow of deceased, stated to her having retired to rest with her husband at about nine o`clock in his usual health; that about 12 she awoke by his suddenly turning in bed. She spoke to him, but received no reply. She lifted his head from the pillow, but he died immediately. Deceased was 67 years of age. Verdict: Natural Death.
Southeastern Gazette 6-2-1855
Death: Jan. 31, at Cheriton, Mr. Wells, of the Star Inn, at an advanced age.
Southeastern Gazette 22-10-1855
East Kent Quarter Sessions, Tuesday last; Before J.B. Wildman esq.
Joseph Gess, hawker, for stealing a quantity of barley, value 1s., the property of Mr. Fredk. Brockman, master of the East Kent Foxhounds, on the 28th August last. Mr. Biron prosecuted, Mr. Horn defended.
Richard Philpott, bailiff to Mr. Brockman, at Cheriton, went to the Star Inn, at Newington, on the 28th August, and saw the prisoner`s horse eating barley, with other horses. Witness inquired how it was they were eating Mr. Brockman`s barley, when the prisoner said “Hasn`t anyone else got barley but Mr. Brockman?” Was sure it was his master`s property, because the barley was strewed on the ground all the way from the field to where the horses were feeding.
Wm. Raynes was at the
Star Inn, Newington, on the 28th August last, and saw the prisoner`s
horse eating some barley there.
Henry Maycock, constable of Newington, was sent for on the evening in question by Mr. Brockman`s bailiff, about the barley; he knew all the men, including the prisoner, and therefore let them go.
Mr. Horn, in his address to the jruy, stigmatised the case as a stupid one, which had never to have been brought forward.
The jury acquitted the prisoner.
Kentish Gazette
23-10-1855
East Kent Quarter Sessions: The Michaelmas Sessions was held on Tuesday last before J.B. Wildman Esq. (Chairman), and the following Magistrates: Sir Norton J. Knatchbull, Bart, Right Hon. S.R. Lushington, E. Foss, W.A. Munn, G.E. Sayer, W. Delmar, W.H. Forley, T.H. Mackay, W.A. Burra, F.F. Lonsdale, G. Gipps, W. Hyder, Esqs., Revs. E. Biron, G.W. Sicklemore, and H. Hilton.
Joseph Gess, 41, charged with having, on the 28th August, stolen a quantity of barley, the property of Frederick Brockman, at Cheriton.
The prisoner underwent examination with another party before the magistrates; that other party was acquitted. and the prisoner would have been dealt with summarily, it being a petty offence, but for his preferring trial bv a jury.
Frederick Philpott, farm bailiff to prosecutor, deposed that on going to the stable at the Star, Newington, he saw prisoner’s horse, as well as those of the two Bakers, eating some barley, and he asked stated that Otto evinced no hesitation in reply to his questions.
Mr. Biron having addressed the jury for the defence, called Lieutenant Carel Stucker, of the British Foreign Legion, who deposed that, having ordered a pair of trousers of Otto, he saw him on the 1st October, when he informed him (witness) that he had purchased for 30s.. some clothes of a man who had had them sent to him from Germany, and which were too small for him. The clothes produced were the same excepting the trousers. Knowing Otto he believed him to be a very honest man.
Edward F. Barnard Von Roff, a German advocate residing in London, also spoke highly of the character and respectability of Otto.
The prisoner Karstadt’s statement before the magistrate», which was put in, was to the effect that one of his comrades said the man Wilkins wanted to sell the case for a shilling, which he gave for it; that it was placed down, and some of the soldiers kicked it open, when it was found to contain the clothes, and, by their advice he sold them.
The Chairman, in summing up, observed that the best proof of a person knowing goods to be stolen when he bought them was that of his giving a very inadequate price for them; but this was not the case in the present instance, a.» Otto had given 33s. for four articles, and sold three of them for 30s. They might therefore infer that there was no object on his part to make a considerable profit by them. With respect to Karstadt, him how it was their horses were eating Mr Brockman's barley , upon which Gess asked if no one else grew barley; but seeing it littered from the field to the spot where the horses were eating, he had reason for supposing it was Mr. Brockman’s. Afterwards, when he got into the road with his horse, he said to witness, “Now come and stop me with my horse in the high road,” to which witness replied, that “he had nothing tn do with the horse; allthat concerned him was Mr. Brockman's property."
Wm. Raines, who was at the Star on the evening in question, spoke to seeing the horses eating the barley.
Henry Maycock, constable of Newington, went to the Star in consequence of having been sent for, and saw Gess and the Bakers, whom he did not lake into custody, as he knew them. The barley in the road corresponded with that in thefield. He slated, in cross-examination, that Gess said if he wanted him, he would stay till the morning; but witness knowing him, told him that he did not wish then to detain him.
Mr. Horn, in defence, ridiculed the case as trilling and absurd, when it was alleged against the prisoner simply because In asked whether nobody else but Mr. Brockman grew barley. All three of the parties were equally guilty, but the one who was had before the magistrate was discharged, and the other was not brought up at all. The prisoner was no more guilty than they, and had it not been lor his electing to come here, in all probability he would have been discharged with Baker.
The Chairman took quite a different view, and pointed out that the prisoner had laid particular claim to the barley when the bailiff interfered, which perhaps distinguished his case from the other’s in the eyes of the magistrates. Not Guilty.
Kentish Express 28-8-1858
Petty Sessions, Wednesday: Before the Mayor, James Kelcey and Gilbert Kennicott Esqs.
Peter McGowan was brought up on remand charged with
obtaining money under false pretences from Henry Swain, landlord of the Foresters
Arms, Shellons Lane. Prisoner was undefended. From the evidence, it appeared
the prisoner went to the house to lodge on the Saturday previous, representing
himself as a Captain, of the Elizabeth and Ann, of Carlisle; he remained there
until the following Monday morning, and borrowed money under the pretence of
having a sum of money in the Folkestone Bank, at the same time showing Mr.
Swain a cheque on the Folkestone Bank. Swain accompanied prisoner to the bank
on the Monday morning, when he made an excuse and said his money had been sent
to Dover in mistake. Swain then went with prisoner to the railway station, but
missing the train they went into the Swan public house for refreshment, when
the prisoner contrived to give Swain the slip. No more was seen of the prisoner
until the following Wednesday morning, when Mr. Wells, of the Star, at
Newington, came to Folkestone in search of the so-called “Captain”, he having
previously paid Wells a visit, staying for some days at his house, and managing
to obtain from him the sum of £3, under the pretence of having money in the
Ashford Bank. The two victims went in company to the Black Bull, and there
found prisoner trying on the same “artful dodge” with the landlord of that
house. He was afterwards taken into custody, and remanded until this day.
Prisoner had nothing to say in his defence, and was fully committed for trial
at the next quarter sessions.
From communications since received by the superintendent of police, it appears the prisoner had been to Sheerness, and Boughton, where he obtained from various persons, sums of money in the whole amounting to about £10, by the same artful means; he had also been to Ashford and Canterbury, where he had not only obtained money, but in one instance a suit of clothes. From papers found on him it appeared prisoner had been a time-keeper on the Silloth Harbour and Dock Works, Carlisle, for a period of two years; he also had a contract in his possession for the purchase of a large quantity of oak timber from Mr. George Austen of Canterbury, together with a letter from that gentleman, accompanying a copy of the agreement for prisoner`s signature.
Southeastern Gazette 12-10-1858
Hythe: Yesterday week, before G. Gidley and W.F. Browell Esqs., Peter McGowan was brought up on remand, charged with obtaining money under false pretences, viz. £1 from Mr. Wells and £1 from Mrs. Wells, of the Star, Newington; and £2 from Mr. Howland, of Boughton. It appeared that the usual plan of the prisoner, who is of respectable appearance, is to inquire for timber to purchase, and in some cases to make large purchases; he then states that his money is in some neighbouring bank, and as he was running short he would borrow as much as he could. He had just been discharged from custody at Folkestone on similar charges. There are a number of charges against him at Sheerness. He was further charged with stealing a pair of trousers, which he had obtained from Mr. Howland, inder the pretence of having fallen into a ditch. Remanded to the 12th inst.
Kentish Express 16-10-1858
Hythe Magistrates` Office, October 12th: Before W.F. Browell and G. Gidley Esqs.
Peter
McGowan, a man who has been brought before the Folkestone Magistrates on
similar charges, was brought up on remand from the 4th instant,
charged with obtaining one sovereign by false pretences, from Charles Wells,
the landlord of the Star, at Newington, and another one from Wells` wife; also
with obtaining two sovereigns and a pair of trousers of the value of 20s., from
William Howland, baker, of Boughton. The evidence against the prisoner was to
the effect that he had borrowed the money, stating while obtaining it that he
had money at the banks at Dover, Ashford and Rochester, and he was going to
fetch it, and immediately he obtained it he would return the loans. Gentlemen
from the above banks attended, and proved that they knew nothing of the
prisoner, and that he had never had any accounts or remittance to his credit in
their respective banks. The trousers which were found upon him he had also
borrowed of Howland, promising to return them in the evening of the same day.
Prisoner was fully committed for trial on four charges at the East Kent Quarter
Sessions.
Kentish Gazette 19-10-1858
Hythe County Magistrates` Office, Oct. 12, (Before W. F. Browell and G. Gibley, Esqs.)
Peter McGowan, a man who has been before the Folkestone justices on similar charges, was brought up remanded from the 4th instant, charged with obtaining one sovereign by false pretences from Charles Wells, the landlord of the Star, at Newington, and another from Wells` wife; also with obtaining two sovereigns and a pair of trousers of the value of 20s., from Wm. Howland, baker, of Boughton. The evidence against the prisoner was to the effect that be had borrowed the money, stating, while obtaining it, that he had money al the banks at Dover, Ashford, and Rochester, and that he was going to fetch it, and immediately he obtained it he would return the loans. Gentlemen from the above banks attended, and proved that they knew nothing of the prisoner, and that he had never had any accounts or remittance to his credit in their respective banks. Tee trousers which were found upon him he had also borrowed of Howland, promising to return them in the evening of the same day. Prisoner was fully committed for trial on four charges at the East Kent Quarter Sessions.
Kentish
Gazette 23-10-1858
East Kent Quarter Sessions, Tuesday last: Before J.B.
Wildman Esq.
Peter McGowan, 39, traveller, was charged on four
counts, with felony and embezzlement from William Howland, of Boughton, from
Eliza Wells, at Newington, and from Charles Wells, at the same place. The
prisoner pleaded Not Guilty to all the indictments. Mr. Addison appeared for
the prosecution.
William Howland – I am a baker, of Boughton. I first
saw the prisoner in July, at the White Horse, Boughton. He said he wanted some
good timber, and my father recommended him some in Lord Winchelsea`s park. On
the 3rd August I saw him again. He came to my house, and I
afterwards met him at the White Horse. He asked me whether I had got any cash.
I said “I may have a little – perhaps a couple of sovereigns.” He said “I have
got £12,000 in Rochester Bank. If you could oblige me with a couple of
sovereigns, I will return them this evening.” I lent him the money. I did not
see him again till I saw him in custody at Folkestone.
George Walter – I am a clerk in the bank of Messrs. Day
and Nicholson, at Rochester. There is a branch of the London and County Bank,
but our bank is usually called the Rochester Bank. The prisoner never kept an
account with us.
Albert Rattray, a clerk in the Chatham branch of the
London and County Bank, said that the prisoner never had any account with that
Bank.
The prisoner, in his defence, said he expected the
money would be at the Bank. He was convicted.
The second count was for stealing a pair of trousers,
the property of the same man.
Mr. Howland was again called, and said that on the 2nd
of August the prisoner came to him and told him that he had an accident with
his trousers, by slipping into a cistern – that he was going to the Rochester
Bank to draw £12,000 – that he could not get them washed – could prosecutor
oblige him with a pair of trousers for one night? Thereupon he went up and lent him a pair, a
good pair, worth 27s.; he went away and prosecutor never saw him again till he
met the prisoner at Folkestone.
The prisoner said that the pair he left was as good as
the pair he took away, but the prosecutor, with much warmth, denied that the
prisoner left any in place of those he took away. Prisoner was convicted.
On the third count the prisoner was charged with
obtaining £1 by false pretences from Eliza Wells.
Prisoner made a similar statement in this case as in
the other case – that he was going to Ashford Bank to receive some money.
Prosecutor lent him a sovereign. The same evening she saw him again. He said he
must go next day to Dover, where he should be sure to get it.
Evidence was given to prove that prisoner had no
account either at Ashford or Dover Banks, and the jury convicted him.
He was sentenced to twelve months` hard labour.
Southeastern Gazette 26-10-1858
East Kent Quarter Sessions, Tuesday, before J.B. Wildman Esq.
Peter McGowan was indicted for having obtained £2 by false pretences from Wm. Howland, at Boughton, on the 3rd August. Mr. Addison prosecuted.
William Howland, baker, of Boughton, deposed to having seen the prisoner at the White Horse, in that place, on the 1st August, on which occasion some conversation took place about certain timber which the prisoner represented he was desirous of purchasing. He was advised he could obtain it at Lord Winchelsea`s, and left for the purpose of going there. On the 3rd August the prisoner called upon witness and borrowed £2, representing that he had £12,000 in the Rochester Bank, which he was going to draw out, and that he required that money to pay his road expenses.
George Walter, clerk in the Rochester Bank, proved that the prisoner had never kept an account in that bank.
Edward Drammond Rathway, cashier at the Chatham branch of the London and County Bankm said that the prisoner had never kept any account at their bank.
Prisoner: I expected the money on the day I borrowed some, but it did not come. Guilty.
The prisoner was then further charged with having stolen a pair of trousers, value 2s., the property of William Howland, on the 3rd August.
On the day in question the prisoner called on the prosecutor and said he had met with an accident to his trousers, and asked to be lent a pair until that evening, as he wanted to go to the Rochester Bank. The prisoner accordingly lent him a pair of trousers, but never saw the prisoner again until he was in custody at Folkestone. Guilty.
Two other charges of obtaining a sovereign from Eliza Wells and a similar sum of money from Charles Wells, her husband, at Newington, by false pretences, on the 10th and 11th of August, were also proved against the prisoner, who represented that he had money in the Ashford Bank, and was going there to get it.
It was proved that the prisoner had never had any account with either of the banks at Ashford.
Another charge of a similar character was not gone into.
He
was sentenced to twelve months hard labour, having been previously convicted of
a like offence, and also one day on the other charges.
Dover Chronicle 8-10-1859
Hythe Magistrates` Clerk`s Office, Wednesday: Before Major-General Sandilands.
James Williamson, a gunner belonging to No. 7 Battery, 4th Brigade of Royal Artillery, was brought up in custody, charged by Sergeant Smith, K.C.C., with having committed a rape on Sunday night last on Susannah Turner, a respectable young woman, 22 years of age, residing at Newington.
Susannah Turner, sworn: I reside with my parents at Newington. On Sunday night, between 10 and 11 o`clock, I was returning home from Cheriton, and had just passed the Star Inn when I was met by the prisoner, who asked me the time and the nearest way to the Camp. I gave him the required information; he then enquired of me where I lived. I told him, when he asked me to go into the Star and have something to drink. I refused to do so and walked on. He followed me, saying he would go home with me. I said I would rather go home alone, but he still persisted in following me a few steps, and then caught hold of me and pulled me down several times. I resisted him and endeavoured to rise, which I partly succeeded in doing, but he dragged me off the road into a field. I screamed as much as I possibly could, and cried murder, when he put his hand over my mouth and I tried to bite it. (The witness here described the nature of the assault.) I was screaming whenever I could do so. The prisoner twisted my neck back, which hurt me very much, and also prevented me from screaming occasionally. My screams, however, aroused Mr. Wells, the landlord of the Star, and he came along the road towards us, and called out to know what was the matter, when the prisoner ran away across the field in the direction of the Camp. Mr. Wells took me into the Star, where I remained a short time, and a man who was there, and to whom I was known, went home with me. The assault took place a very short distance from the Star, only about forty yards. It was still nearer to a small farmhouse, in which I saw lights in three windows. I had a swelling in my neck through the ill-usage, but it is now gone down; I had an embrocation for it. I bit the prisoner, but I do not know if I marked him, neither can I say if I scratched him; but I think I must have done so, as there is blood on the strings of my bonnet. (The bonnet was produced in Court.) I have no doubt on my mind but that the prisoner is the man; it was light enough for me to distinguish his features. He had on two medals, and I felt a metal ring on his finger; I also noticed two stripes on his arm.
Elizabeth Fisher deposed: I live at Longport, and was at home on Sunday night between 10 and 11 o`clock. I heard a violent screaming, which appeared to proceed from a female. I distinctly heard the words “You`ll break my neck” and “murder” three or four times. An old gentleman was ill in the house, so that I could not pay the attention to it I should have done; but I called up my husband, and he went to the window, but by that time the noises had ceased.
Mr. Charles Fagg, surgeon, sworn: I live at Hythe, and was called in on Monday morning to see the first witness, and found her in a state of great mental excitement, and complaining of being sore and stiff in different parts of her body. (The witness here, by medical testimony, fully corroborated the evidence of Miss Turner as to the nature of the outrage.)
Sergeant Smith, K.C.C., deposed: On Monday morning I received the first information of the affair, and saw the young woman, and from the description given to me went in pursuit of the party. From further information I proceeded yesterday to the Royal Artillery barracks. Saw the prisoner there; charged him with the crime, and took him into custody. He denied having been to Newington at all on Sunday night, but said he had been at Lyminge, and left there shortly before ten o`clock. I remarked to him that his face was very much scratched. He said- yes, that had been done some days, but he kept picking it, and that made it look fresh: he had been out rabbiting with another man, and had fallen into some bushes and scratched it, but could not say whether it was Friday or Saturday or Thursday. I saw some footmarks at the spot where the offence is stated to have taken place, and through the field towards the Camp. I had one of the prisoner`s boots taken from his kit by the sergeant-major and given to me, and measured it with the footmarks, and found it exactly corresponded. The boot I measured had dirt on it such as would have come off from a field, and not from a road; it was very dirty.
Henry Mannering, sworn: I live at Lyminge, and on Sunday evening was drinking with the prisoner at the New Inn. We came out together and bid each other good night; this was about twenty minutes to ten o`clock. It may be two miles or a little more from the New Inn to the Star. The prisoner went in the direction of Mr. Brockman`s on the road to Newington. I did not notice any scratches on his face whilst he was with me.
Samuel Gill, a gunner of the Royal Artillery, stated: I was on regimental guard on Sunday night, and was sitting in the guard-room about 11 o`clock, when I saw the prisoner return off leave, by giving his pass into the guard-room. He appeared very warm, and I noticed his face being scratched, and apparently fresh-done. He was dressed regimentally.
The only thing the prisoner said in his defence was that he had never seen the young woman in his life before he was given into custody. The worthy Magistrate considered the evidence quite sufficient, and fully committed the prisoner to take his trial at the next assizes at Maidstone.
It was a very painful thing to see a person of prisoner`s description placed at the bar on such a serious charge, he having but a very short period to complete his time in the Army, was in possession of two good conduct stripes, and two medals with four clasps for services in the Crimea.
Folkestone Chronicle 8-10-1859
Hythe Magistrates` Clerk`s Office, Wednesday: Before Major-General Sandilands.
James Williamson, a gunner belonging to No. 7 Battery, 4th Brigade of Royal Artillery, was brought up in custody, charged by Sergt. Smith, K.C.C., with having committed an assault on Sunday night last on Susannah Turner, a respectable young woman, 22 years of age, the daughter of a small farmer, residing at Newington.
Susannah Turner, sworn, said: I reside with my parents at Newington. On Sunday night, between 10 and 11 o`clock, I was returning home from Cheriton, and had just passed the Star Inn when I was met by the prisoner, who asked me the time and the nearest way to the Camp. I gave him the required information. He then enquired of me where I lived. I told him, when he asked me to go into the Star and have something to drink. I refused to do so and walked on; he followed me, saying he would go home with me. I said I would rather go home alone, but he still persisted in following me a few steps, and then caught hold of me and pulled me down several times. I resisted him and attempted to rise, which I partly succeeded in doing, but he dragged me off the road into a field. I screamed as much as I possibly could, and cried murder, when he put his hand over my mouth and I tried to bite it. (The witness here described the nature of the assault.) I was screaming whenever I could do so; the prisoner twisted my neck back, which hurt me very much, and also prevented me from screaming occasionally. My screams, however, aroused Mr. Wells, the landlord of the Star, and he came along the road towards us, and called out to know what was the matter, when the prisoner ran away across the field in the direction of the Camp. Mr. Wells took me into the Star, where I remained a short time, and a man who was there, and to whom I was known, went home with me. The assault took place a very short distance from the Star, only about forty yards. It was still nearer to a small farmhouse, in which I saw lights in three windows. I had a swelling in my neck through the ill-usage, but it is now gone down; I had an embrocation for it. I bit the prisoner, but I do not know if I marked him, neither can I say if I scratched him; but I think I must have done so, as there is blood on the strings of my bonnet. (The bonnet was produced in Court.) I have no doubt on my mind but that the prisoner is the man; it was light enough for me to distinguish his features. He had on two medals, and I felt a metal ring on his finger; I also noticed two stripes on his arm.
Elizabeth Fisher deposed: I live at Longport, and was at home on Sunday night between 10 and 11 o`clock. I heard a violent screaming, which appeared to be the voice of a female. I distinctly heard the words “You`ll break my neck” and “murder” three or four times. An old gentleman was ill in the house, so that I could not pay the attention to it I should have done; but I called my husband, and he went to the window, but by that time the noises had ceased.
Mr. Charles Fagg, surgeon, sworn: I live at Hythe, and was called in on Monday morning to see the first witness, and found her in a state of great mental excitement, and complaining of being sore and stiff in different parts of her body. (The witness here, by medical testimony, fully corroborated the evidence of Miss Turner as to the nature of the outrage.)
Sergeant Smith, K.C.C., deposed: On Monday morning I received the first information of the affair, and saw the young woman, and from the description given to me went in pursuit of the party. From further information I proceeded yesterday to the Royal Artillery barracks, saw the prisoner there, charged him with the crime, and took him into custody. He denied having been at Newington on Sunday night, but said he had been at Lyminge, and left there shortly before ten o`clock. I remarked to him that his face was very much scratched. He said- yes, that had been done some days, but he kept picking it, and that made it look fresh: he had been out rabbiting with another man, and had fallen into some bushes and scratched it, but could not say whether it was Friday or Saturday or Thursday. I saw some footmarks at the spot where the offence is stated to have taken place, and through the field towards the Camp. I had one of the prisoner`s boots taken from his kit by the sergeant-major and given to me, and measured it with the footmarks, and found it exactly corresponded. The boot I measured had dirt on it such as would have come off from a field, and not from a road; it was very dirty.
Henry Mannering, sworn: I live at Lyminge, and on Sunday evening was drinking with the prisoner at the New Inn. We came out together and bid each other good night; this was about twenty minutes to 10 o`clock. It may be two miles or a little more from the New Inn to the Star. The prisoner went in the direction of Mr. Brockman`s on the road to Newington. I did not notice any scratches on his face whilst he was with me.
Samuel Gill, a gunner of the Royal Artillery, stated: I was on regimental guard on Sunday night, and was sitting in the guard-room. About eleven o`clock I saw the prisoner return off leave, by giving his pass into the guard-room. He appeared very warm, and I noticed his face being scratched, and apparently fresh-done. He was dressed regimentally.
The only thing the prisoner said in his defence was that he had never seen the young woman in his life before he was given into custody. The worthy Magistrate considered the evidence quite sufficient, and fully committed the prisoner to take his trial at the next assizes at Maidstone.
(It was a very painful thing to see a person of prisoner`s description placed at the bar on such a serious charge, he having but a very short period to complete his time in the Army, was in possession of two good conduct stripes, and two medals with four clasps for services in the Crimea.)
Kentish Express 8-10-1859
Hythe Magistrates` Clerk`s Office, Wednesday: Before Major-General Sandilands.
James Williamson, a gunner belonging to No. 7 Battery, 4th Brigade of Royal Artillery, was charged by Sergt. Smith, K.C.C., with having committed a rape on Sunday night last on Susannah Turner, a respectable young woman, 22 years of age, residing at Newington.
Susannah Turner: I reside with my parents at Newington; on Sunday night, between 10 and 11 o`clock, I was returning home from Cheriton, and had just passed the Star Inn when I was met by the prisoner, who asked me the time and the nearest way to the Camp. I gave him the required information. He then enquired of me where I lived; I told him, when he asked me to go into the Star and have something to drink with him; I refused to do so and walked on; he followed me, saying he would go home with me; I said I would rather go home alone, but he still persisted in following me a few steps, and then pulled me down and dragged me off the road into a field. I screamed as much as I possibly could, and cried murder, when he put his hand over my mouth and I tried to bite it. (The witness here described the nature of the assault.) I was screaming whenever I could do so; the prisoner twisted my neck back, which hurt me very much, and also prevented me from screaming occasionally. My screams, however, aroused Mr. Wells, the landlord of the Star, and he came along the road towards us, and called out to know what was the matter, when the prisoner ran away across the field in the direction of the Camp. Mr. Wells took me into the Star, where I remained a short time, and a man who was there, and to whom I was known, went home with me. The assault took place a very short distance from the Star, only about 40 yards; it was still nearer to a small farmhouse, in which I saw lights in three windows. I had a swelling in my neck through the ill-usage, but it is now gone down; I had an embrocation for it; I bit the prisoner, but I do not know if I marked him, neither can I say if I scratched him; but I think I must have done so, as there is blood on the string of my bonnet. (The bonnet was produced in Court.) I have no doubt on my mind but that the prisoner is the man; it was light enough for me to distinguish his features; he had on two medals, and I felt a metal ring on his finger; I also noticed two stripes on his arm.
Elizabeth Fisher: I live at Longport, and was at home on Sunday night between 10 and 11 o`clock. I heard a violent screaming, which appeared to proceed from a female. I distinctly heard the words “You`ll break my neck” and “murder” three or four times. An old gentleman was ill in the house, so that I could not pay the attention to it I should have done; but I called up my husband, and he went to the window, but by that time the noises had ceased.
Mr. Charles Fagg, surgeon, Hythe, by medical testimony, fully corroborated the evidence of Miss Turner as to the nature of the outrage.
Sergt. Smith, K.C.C., deposed: On Monday morning I received the first information of the affair, and saw the young woman, and from the description given to me went in pursuit of the party. From further information I proceeded yesterday to the Royal Artillery barracks; saw the prisoner there; charged him with the crime, and took him into custody; he denied having been to Newington at all on Sunday night, but said he had been at Lyminge, and left there shortly before 10 o`clock. I remarked to him that his face was very much scratched; he said- yes, that had been done some days, but he kept picking it, and that made it look fresh: he had been out rabbiting with another man, and had fallen into some bushes and scratched it, but could not say whether it was Friday or Saturday or Thursday. I saw some footmarks at the spot where the offence is stated to have taken place, and through the field towards the Camp. I had one of the prisoner`s boots taken from his kit by the Sergt. Major and given to me, and measured it with the footmarks, and found it exactly corresponded. The boot I measured had dirt on it such as would have come off from a field, and not from a road; it was very dirty.
Henry Mannering: I live at Lyminge, and on Sunday evening was drinking with the prisoner at the New Inn; we came out together and bid each other good night; this was about 20 minutes to 10 o`clock. It may be two miles or a little more from the New Inn to the Star; the prisoner went in the direction of Mr. Brockman`s on the road to Newington; I did not notice any scratches on his face whilst he was with me.
Samuel Gill, a gunner of the Royal Artillery: I was on regimental guard on Sunday night, and was sitting in the guard-room about 11 o`clock. I saw the prisoner return off leave, by giving his pass into the guard-room; he appeared very warm, and I noticed his face being scratched, and apparently fresh-done; he was dressed regimentally.
The only thing the prisoner said in his defence was that he had never seen the young woman in his life before he was given into custody.
The worthy Magistrate considered the evidence quite sufficient, and fully committed the prisoner to take his trial at the next assizes at Maidstone.
It was a very painful thing to see a person of prisoner`s description placed at the bar on such a serious charge, he having but a very short period to complete his time in the Army, was in possession of two good conduct stripes, and two medals with four clasps for services in the Crimea.
Southeastern Gazette 11-10-1859
Hythe: At the Magistrates` clerks` office on Wednesday, James Williamson, Royal Artillery, was charged with committing a felonious assault upon Susannah Turner, a respectable young woman, 22 years of age, residing at Newington. Prosecutrix was returning home from Cheriton between 10 and 11 o`clock on Sunday evening, and when near the Star Inn the offence was committed on her with much violence. The prisoner was committed for trial at the Assizes.
Dover Telegraph 15-10-1859
Hythe Magistrates` Clerk`s Office, Wednesday: Before Major-General Sandilands.
James Williamson, a gunner belonging to No. 7 Battery, 4th Brigade of Royal Artillery, was brought up in custody, charged by Sergt. Smith, K.C.C., with having committed a rape on Sunday night last on Susannah Turner, a respectable young woman, 22 years of age, residing at Newington.
Susannah Turner, sworn: I reside with my parents at Newington. On Sunday night, between ten and eleven o`clock, I was returning home from Cheriton, and had just passed the Star Inn when I was met by the prisoner, who asked me the time and the nearest way to the Camp. I gave him the required information; he then enquired of me where I lived. I told him, when he asked me to go into the Star and have something to drink. I refused to do so and walked on. He followed me, saying he would go home with me. I said I would rather go home alone, but he still persisted in following me a few steps, and then caught hold of me and pulled me down several times. I resisted him and endeavoured to rise, which I partly succeeded in doing, but he dragged me off the road into a field. I screamed as much as I possibly could, and cried murder, when he put his hand over my mouth and I tried to bite it. (The witness here described the nature of the assault.) I was screaming whenever I could do so. My screams, however, aroused Mr. Wells, the landlord of the Star, and he came along the road towards us, and called out to know what was the matter, when the prisoner ran away across the field in the direction of the Camp. Mr. Wells took me into the Star, where I remained a short time, and a man who was there, and to whom I was known, went home with me. The assault took place a very short distance from the Star, only about forty yards. It was still nearer to a small farmhouse, in which I saw lights in three windows. I bit the prisoner, but I do not know if I marked him, neither can I say if I scratched him; but I think I must have done so, as there is blood on the strings of my bonnet. (The bonnet was produced in Court.) I have no doubt on my mind but that the prisoner is the man; it was light enough for me to distinguish his features. He had on two medals, and I felt a metal ring on his finger; I also noticed two stripes on his arm.
Elizabeth Fisher deposed: I live at Longport, and was at home on Sunday night between ten and eleven o`clock. I heard a violent screaming, which appeared to proceed from a female. I distinctly heard the words “You`ll break my neck” and “murder” three or four times. An old gentleman was ill in the house, so that I could not pay the attention to it I should have done; but I called up my husband, and he went to the window, but by that time the noises had ceased.
Mr. Charles Fagg, surgeon, sworn: I live at Hythe, and was called in on Monday morning to see the first witness, and found her in a state of great mental excitement, and complaining of being sore and stiff in different parts of her body. (The witness here, by medical testimony, fully corroborated the evidence of Miss Turner as to the nature of the outrage.)
Sergeant Smith, K.C.C., deposed: On Monday morning I received the first information of the affair, and saw the young woman, and from the description given to me went in pursuit of the party. From further information I proceeded yesterday to the Royal Artillery barracks. Saw the prisoner there; charged him with the crime, and took him into custody. He denied having been to Newington at all on Sunday night, but said he had been at Lyminge, and left there shortly before ten o`clock. I remarked to him that his face was very much scratched. He said- yes, that had been done some days, but he kept picking it, and that made it look fresh: he had been out rabbiting with another man, and had fallen into some bushes and scratched it, but could not say whether it was Friday or Saturday or Thursday. I saw some footmarks at the spot where the offence is stated to have taken place, and through the field towards the Camp. I had one of the prisoner`s boots taken from his kit by the sergeant-major and given to me, and measured it with the footmarks, and found it exactly corresponded. The boot I measured had dirt on it such as would have come off from a field, and not from a road; it was very dirty.
Henry Mannering, sworn: I live at Lyminge, and on Sunday evening was drinking with the prisoner at the New Inn. We came out together and bid each other good night; this was about twenty minutes to ten o`clock. It may be two miles or a little more from the New Inn to the Star. The prisoner went in the direction of Mr. Brockman`s on the road to Newington. I did not notice any scratches on his face whilst he was with me.
Samuel Gill, a gunner of the Royal Artillery, stated: I was on regimental guard on Sunday night, and was sitting in the guard-room about 11 o`clock, when I saw the prisoner return off leave, by giving his pass into the guard-room. He appeared very warm, and I noticed his face being scratched, and apparently fresh-done. He was dressed regimentally.
The only thing the prisoner said in his defence was that he had never seen the young woman in his life before he was given into custody. The worthy Magistrate considered the evidence quite sufficient, and fully committed the prisoner to take his trial at the next assizes at Maidstone.
It was a very painful thing to see a person of prisoner`s description placed at the bar on such a serious charge, he having but a very short period to complete his time in the Army, was in possession of two good conduct stripes, and two medals with four clasps for services in the Crimea.
Dover Chronicle 10-12-1859
Assizes, Thursday: Before Mr. Justice Williams.
James Williamson, 29, a private soldier in the Royal Artillery, stationed at Shorncliffe, who appeared at the bar wearing two Crimean medals and two good conduct stripes, was charged with having committed a rape. Mr. Addison conducted the prosecution.
It appeared that the prosecutrix in this case was a respectable young woman named Susannah Turner, and that on Sunday evening, the 2nd of October, she was on her way home in the neighbourhood of Shorncliffe, when she was accosted by a man in the uniform of the Royal Artillery, who inquired of her what time it was, and she told him as well as she could. She then walked on and the man followed her, and wished her to have some drink, but she refused, and when they had gone a short distance he seized hold of her and dragged her into a field and assaulted her in a most brutal manner. She struggled violently, and screamed “Murder”, and the man twisted her head back, and hurt her very much, but she continued to resist him, and scratched his face very badly. In consequence of her cries some men came to her assistance, and the man then ran away. She saw the prisoner a day or two afterwards, and immediately identified him as the man by whom the outrage had been committed, and she particularly recognised him by his voice and his having a light moustache. The evidence of the prosecutrix was confirmed by the facts that the prisoner was proved to have been in the neighbourhood about the time the offence was committed, and that when he went to the barracks he appeared very hot and excited, and his face was scratched and bleeding. It appeared, however, that a hundred other privates in the Artillery were out on leave on the evening in question, and there was some little discrepancy as to the fact of the prisoner wearing a belt at the time the prosecutrix was attacked in the manner described.
The prisoner, when called upon for his defence, declared that he was not the man who committed the outrage, and he said that the prosecutrix had mistaken him for some other private artilleryman who was really the guilty party.
The jury having a doubt gave a verdict of Not Guilty.
East Kent Gazette 10-12-1859
Assizes: Before Mr. Justice Williams.
James Williamson, 29, a private in the Royal Artillery, stationed at Shorncliffe, who appeared at the bar wearing two Crimean medals and two good conduct stripes, was charged with having committed a rape.
It appeared that the prosecutrix in this case was a respectable young woman named Susannah Turner, and that on Sunday evening, the 2nd October, she was on her way home in the neighbourhood of Shorncliffe, when she was accosted by a man in the uniform of the Royal Artillery, who inquired of her what hour it was, and she told him as well as she could. She then walked on and the man followed her, and wished her to have some drink, but she refused, and when they had gone a short distance he seized hold of her and dragged her into a field and assaulted her in a most brutal manner. She saw the prisoner a day or two afterwards, and immediately identified him as the man by whom the outrage had been committed, and she particularly recognised him by his voice and his having a light moustache. The evidence of the prosecutrix was confirmed by the fact that the prisoner was proved to have been in the neighbourhood about the time the offence was committed, and that when he went to the barracks he appeared very hot and excited, and his face was scratched and bleeding. It appeared, however, that a hundred other privates in the Artillery were out on leave on that evening, and there was some little discrepancy as to the prisoner wearing a belt at the time.
The prisoner, when called upon for his defence, declared that he was not the man who committed the outrage, and he said that the prosecutrix had mistaken him for some other private artilleryman who was really the guilty party.
The learned Judge having summed up, the jury, after some deliberation, said they thought that the prosecutrix might be mistaken as to the identity of the prisoner, and they therefore gave him the benefit of the doubt, and returned a verdict of Not Guilty.
East Kent Times 10-12-1859
Assizes
James Williamson, 29, a private in the Royal Artillery, stationed at Shorncliffe, who appeared at the bar wearing two Crimean medals and two good conduct stripes, was charged with having committed a rape. Mr. Addison conducted the prosecution.
It appeared that the prosecutrix in this case was a respectable young woman named Susannah Turner, and that on Sunday evening, the 2nd October, she was on her way home in the neighbourhood of Shorncliffe, when she was accosted by a man in the uniform of the Royal Artillery, who inquired of her what hour it was, and she told him as well as she could. She then walked on and the man followed her, and wished her to have some drink, but she refused, and when they had gone a short distance he seized hold of her and dragged her into a field and assaulted her in a most brutal manner She struggled violently, and screamed “Murder”, and the man twisted her head back, and hurt her very much, but she continued to resist him, and scratched his face severely. In consequence of her cries some men came to her assistance, and the man then ran away. She saw the prisoner a day or two afterwards, and immediately identified him as the man by whom the outrage had been committed, and she particularly recognised him by his voice and his having a light moustache. The evidence of the prosecutrix was confirmed by the facts that the prisoner was proved to have been in the neighbourhood about the time the offence was committed, and that when he went to the barracks he appeared very hot and excited, and his face was scratched and bleeding. It appeared, however, that a hundred other privates in the Artillery were out on leave on that evening, and there was some little discrepancy as to the prisoner wearing a belt at the time the prosecutrix was attacked in the manner described.
The prisoner, when called upon for his defence, declared that he was not the man who committed the outrage, and he said that the prosecutrix had mistaken him for some other private artilleryman who was really the guilty party.
The learned Judge having summed up, the jury, after some deliberation, said they thought that the prosecutrix might be mistaken as to the identity of the prisoner, and they therefore gave him the benefit of the doubt, therefore, and returned a verdict of Not Guilty.
Folkestone Chronicle 10-12-1859
Assizes
James Williamson, 29, a private soldier in the Royal Artillery, and stationed at Shorncliffe, who appeared at the bar wearing two Crimean medals, and two good conduct stripes, was charged with a felonious assault upon a respectable young woman named Turner, on Sunday, October 2nd, near Cheriton. The case has been already reported in our paper. There being a number of other Artillerymen out on leave the same evening, and some discrepancy existing as to whether the prisoner had a belt on, he was given the benefit of the doubt, and was acquitted.
Kentish Express 10-12-1859
Assizes: Before Mr. Justice Williams.
James Williamson, 29, a private in the Royal Artillery, stationed at Shorncliffe, who appeared at the bar wearing two Crimean medals and two good conduct stripes, was charged with having committed a rape. Mr. Addison conducted the prosecution.
It appeared that the prosecutrix in this case was a respectable young woman named Susannah Turner, and that on Tuesday evening, the 2nd of October, she was on her way home in the neighbourhood of Shorncliffe, when she was accosted by a man in the uniform of the Royal Artillery, who inquired of her what hour it was, and she told him as well as she could. She then walked on and the man followed her, and wished her to have some drink, but she refused, and when they had gone a short distance he seized hold of her and dragged her into a field and assaulted her in a most brutal manner. She struggled violently and screamed “Murder”, and the man twisted her head back and hurt her very much; but she continued to resist him, and scratched his face very severely. In consequence of her cries some men came to her assistance, and the man then ran away. She saw the prisoner a day or two afterwards, and immediately identified him as the man by whom the outrage had been committed, and she particularly recognised him by his voice and his having a light moustache. The evidence of the prosecutrix was confirmed by the facts that the prisoner was proved to have been in the neighbourhood about the time the offence was committed, and that when he went to the barracks he appeared very hot and excited, and his face was scratched and bleeding. It appeared, however, that a hundred other privates in the Artillery were out on leave on that evening, and there was some little discrepancy as to the prisoner wearing a belt at the time the prosecutrix was attacked in the manner described.
The prisoner, when called upon for his defence, declared that he was not the man who committed the outrage, and he said that the prosecutrix had mistaken him for some other private artilleryman who was really the guilty party.
The
learned Judge having summed up, the jury, after some deliberation, said they
thought that the prosecutrix might be mistaken as to the identity of the
prisoner, and they gave him the benefit of the doubt, therefore, and returned a
verdict of Not Guilty.
Kentish Express 7-7-1860
An inquest was held at the Star, in this parish, on Wednesday last, by T. T. Delasaux, Esq., touching the death of William Jenkins, a gunner in the Royal Artillery stationed at Shorncliffe. The circumstances will be found detailed in the following evidence :—
Thomas Coppin, an artilleryman, deposed that the deceased was in the same regiment as himself, and slept in the same room in the bed adjoining his. On Sunday night witness went to bed at about nine o’clock, when he saw the deceased in bed. At twenty minutes past ten he was awoke by something rattling on the floor, and found that the deceased was out of bed. The last time witness spoke to the deceased he appeared in his right senses.
William Neale, a gunner in the Royal Artillery, proved that he was called at twenty minutes past ten on Sunday night by the last witness. He got up, put his hand into his box, and found that his razor and case were gone. On perceiving the deceased lying on the floor, bleeding from the throat, witness procured a light, and afterwards spoke to the deceased, but he made no reply and threw the razor towards him.
Mr. Thos. Grey, surgeon, Royal Artillery, deposed that he had known the deceased for the past two months, and had attended him professionally during that time. On Sunday last he saw deceased twice, when he was exceedingly weak and complained of a choking sensation in the upper part of his throat. He had not noticed anything in the conduct of the deceased to induce him to think that he was insane. It was not infrequent in the complaint under which the deceased was suffering that delirium should supervene.
Wm. Kinseller, a private in the Army Hospital Corps, had attended upon the deceased for the past two months, and with very few exceptions he considered he was in a sound state of mind.
The jury returned the following verdict: That the deceased destroyed himself by cutting his throat, but there is no evidence to show the state of mind in which he was at the time.
Kentish Mercury 7-7-1860
An inquest was held at the Star, at Cheriton, on Wednesday last, by T. T. Delasaux, Esq., touching the death of William Jenkins, a gunner in the Royal Artillery stationed at Shorncliffe. The circumstances will be found detailed in the following evidence :—
Thomas Coppin, an artilleryman, deposed that the deceased was in the same regiment as himself, and slept in the same room in the bed adjoining his. On Sunday night witness went to bed at about nine o’clock, when he saw the deceased in bed. At twenty minutes past ten he was awoke by something rattling on the floor, and found that the deceased was out of bed. The last time witness spoke to the deceased he appeared in his right senses.
William Neale, a gunner in the Royal Artillery, proved that he was called at twenty minutes past ten on Sunday night by the last witness. He got up, put his hand into his box, and found that his razor and case were gone. On perceiving the deceased lying on the floor, bleeding from the throat, witness procured a light, and afterwards spoke to the deceased, but he made no reply and threw the razor towards him.
Mr. Thos. Grey, surgeon, R.A., deposed that he had known the deceased for the past two months, and had attended him professionally during that time. On Sunday last he saw deceased twice, when he was exceedingly weak and complained of a choking sensation in the upper part of his throat. He had not noticed anything in the conduct of the deceased to induce him to think that he was insane. It was not infrequent in the complaint under which the deceased was suffering that delirium should supervene.
Wm. Kinseller, a private in the Army Hospital Corps, had attended upon the deceased for the past two months, and with very few exceptions he considered he was in a sound state of mind.
The jury returned the following verdict: That the
deceased destroyed himself by cutting his throat, but there is no evidence to
show the state of mind in which he was at the time.
Kentish Gazette 13-8-1861
A married woman named Eliza Stockwell, who had been to Dover to see her friends, returned to Newington on Sunday night week, and slept at the Star Inn. Next morning the landlord heard the woman making a strange noise, and her room being entered she was found to be insensible, a laudanum bottle being near her. The surgeon of the 21st Regiment was speedily brought from the camp, and other medical assistance was obtained. The stomach pump was then used, and the proper appliances made, but without permanent effect as the poor woman expired on Tuesday afternoon. An inquest was held on the body by Mr. Delasaux on Thursday, and a verdict of “Temporary Insanity” returned. It was elicited at the inquest that deceased had attempted self destruction before.
Kentish Gazette 20-1-1885
Hythe County Police Court: On Thursday before Major Kirkpatrick (in the chair), Dr. Wildash, A. Denne Esq., and E.H. Walker Esq., John Mowll and Charles White were summoned for being drunk and refusing to quit the Star Inn, Newington. They were fined 10s. each and costs 10s. 6d., in default one month`s hard labour.
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