Folkestone Express
28-7-1883
Wednesday, July 25th: Before The Mayor and J.
Holden Esq.
Richard Flowers was summoned for assaulting James Standen.
He pleaded Guilty. Mr. Ward appeared for the complainant, and stated that the
assault was of a very gross character, the defendant having deliberately struck
him as he was leaving the Wheatsheaf Inn, New Bridge Street on the 19th.
Defendant said the assault was of a very trivial nature. He
and the complainant had always been friends. He was fined 5s. and 8s. costs, or
seven days` imprisonment.
Folkestone Express
26-4-1884
Saturday, April 19th: Before General Armstrong
C.B., Captain Fletcher, Captain Crowe, Alderman Hoad and M. Bell Esq.
William Sellis and John Brown were summoned for assaulting
Richard Burchett on the 12th April.
Complainant, a labourer, living at No. 5, Bridge Street,
said on Saturday night, the 12th, at ten minutes to eleven, he was
coming out of the Wheatsheaf public house, when Sellis, who was standing on the
edge of the pavement, took hold of his coat and tried to throw him down. He
asked Sellis to let him go, but he clung on to him and tore his coat. He
succeeded in getting to his house across the road, and whilst he was trying to
bolt the door the two defendants and another man forced their way into the
front room. They knocked him down and ill-used him. He was struck on the head
with something, which rendered him insensible. He had never had any
disagreement with the defendants before. Neither of the two was sober.
In reply to Sellis, complainant denied that he drank their
beer. He admitted that he pushed Sellis away from his door, and he stumbled,
but did not fall.
Mary E. Burchett, wife of the complainant, said she saw
Sellis go out of the house. Afterwards Flowers came in and persuaded Brown to
go out. Her husband was lying senseless, and he had a cut under his eye. She
did not see the assault. Her husband had only been gone from home about ten
minutes.
Richard Flowers said he saw Brown striking Burchett with his
fist. Burchett was bleeding. Witness took Brown out into the street.
Sellis said Burchett knocked him down, and to save himself
he caught hold of his coat, which tore.
Brown was fined 40s. and 9s. costs and Sellis 40s. and 10s.
costs, or one month`s hard labour in each case.
Folkestone News
26-4-1884
Saturday, April 19th: Before Gen. Armstrong
C.B., Alderman Hoad, Capt. Crowe, Capt. Fletcher, and M. Bell Esq.
William Sellis and George Brown were charged with
assaulting Richard Burchett.
Complainant, a labourer living in Bridge Street, said
that on the previous Saturday night about ten minutes to eleven o`clock he was
coming out of the Wheatsheaf public house when Sellis took hold of him by the
coat and tried to throw him down. Complainant said he did not want to have any
disturbance and asked the man to let him go. Defendant, however, clung to him
while he was crossing the road and tore his coat. Complainant, on getting to
his own door, pushed defendant away and went in and tried to bolt the door.
Several men came in, and Brown and the other defendant ill-used him and struck
him in the face with his fist. Complainant was also struck by something on the
head, which rendered him insensible. He had often had a friendly chat and a
drink with them, but never an ill word. They had been in the house with him.
They were not sober, but he was.
Sellis: Did you drink our beer?
Complainant: No
Sellis: Yes, he did, Sir.
Complainant, in answer to Brown, denied that he knocked
him down in the road. In answer to Sellis he said that he did not come into the
house “three parts so and so” and drink their beer.
Mary Elizabeth Burchett, wife of Richard Burchett, said
that her husband came home about eleven, and entered the house while she was
upstairs. When she came down she saw Sellis go out, and Brown was in the room
in which her husband was lying senseless. A man named Flowers came into the
room. Her husband was quite sober and had been gone only about ten minutes to
get a glass of beer.
Richard Flowers said he saw Burchett in his house a
little after eleven, and Brown was also there, punching Burchett, who was on
the floor, and asking him if he had had enough yet. Burchett was bleeding from
one eye. Brown went out with witness. Witness went into the house because,
living in the next house, he had heard the row.
Sellis said that complainant struck him and knocked him
down, and he caught hold of complainant`s coat to keep himself from falling.
The Bench found the defendant Guilty, and the Chairman
commented on the serious character of the assault.
They were each fined 40s., Sellis having to pay 10s.
costs, and Brown 9s.
Folkestone Chronicle
29-8-1885
Inquest
On Monday morning a report was circulated about the town
that a lad named William George Holliday had been shot whilst in Tontine Street
by a man named Copping from the outside of what is termed a “shooting saloon”
in the street. The report proved unhappily correct, and the boy was taken to
the Infirmary, when serious symptoms set in, and he died on Tuesday night. An
inquest was held at the Town Hall on Wednesday evening, when the following
facts were elicited about this sad accident.
After the body had been viewed, Thomas Bottle, sworn, said:
I identify the body of deceased as the son of George Holliday, landlord of the Wheatsheaf
public house, Bridge Street. He is fourteen years of age. On Monday the 24th
I was walking in Tontine Street, on the right hand side, close to the shooting
saloon. Deceased was on the left hand side near the gutter. I heard deceased
call out “I`m shot”, at the same time putting his hand on his stomach. I
noticed the sound like the snap of a whip; it did not appear like the sound of
firearms. I noticed no-one with firearms at the time. Did not go to the saloon
and look in. I was looking after deceased. I took him into Bridge`s yard and
unbuttoned his trousers to see whether he was shot. I saw a wound on the side
of his stomach, from which blood was issuing. A man named Spicer came to my
assistance and carried deceased into Mr. Lea, the chemist, and from thence he
was taken to the Dispensary. I measured the distance from De Lacy`s Shooting
Saloon to where the boy was shot, and it is about 42 feet.
David Paul said: I am by trade an artistic glass blower. I
am now managing the shooting saloon in Tontine Street for Mr. De Lacy. It is a
galvanised iron building in a row with the ordinary buildings. It is 26 feet in
length and 4 yards wide. There are two panes out of the window, and an ordinary
entrance door. Persons who go in there to shoot stand with their backs to the
street. Iron plates, bullet proof, are placed at the end. A counter stretches
across the shop, on which the guns lay until they are picked up. The counter is
five or six feet from the front door. No. 1 saloon guns are used, loaded with
Eley`s No. 1 cartridges. (A specimen of the cartridge used, also the bullet
extracted from deceased were handed round to the jury to inspect) About five
minutes to one o`clock three persons besides myself were in the saloon; one man
named Standing, a pork butcher, another who was in the employ of Mr. Major, the
butcher, Tontine Street, and the man who was using the gun, Charles Copping,
who, when he came in, asked for a penny shot. The price is a penny per shot. I
loaded and handed him a gun, and he discharged it at the bottle. He also had a
second shot, and then he paid for a third shot. I loaded it again, and handed
the gun to him. He was standing against the counter, his back to the street,
and then he put the gun to his shoulder, the muzzle pointing to the bottle at
the other end of the building. Whilst in that position, one of the boatmen of
the S.E.R., going down Tontine Street, came across and shouted into the doorway
in a jocular manner “Chuck him out”. Copping turned round his body. I was
standing to the left of him by the counter, and I said to him “It is very
foolish of you to turn round with the gun in your hand”. (Witness illustrated
with the gun the position Copping was in towards the street when he turned
round) Copping made no reply to this rebuke, but whilst holding the gun it went
off. The gun was pointing down the street. I then took his gun from him and
said “I hope that gun has not gone off down the street”. Copping made no reply.
Mr. De Lacy came up and said a boy had been shot, and Copping admitted that he
had let a gun off. The lock of the gun is in good order, and the trigger pulls
stiffly. The gun was cocked when I gave it to him. I always tell them “The gun
is cocked and give a light pull”. For that size gun it pulls stiffly.
James Standing said he was standing outside looking through
the window of the Saloon. He saw Copping go in and shoot twice at the bottle.
Copping asked for a third shot, and the gun was loaded and handed to him. He
put the gun to his shoulder, aiming at the bottles. His back was to the street.
A young man passing said in a joke “Chuck him out. He can`t shoot”. Copping
then turned half way round towards the door, the muzzle of the gun pointing
towards the street outside the door, and he told Copping that he was liable to
be locked up for pointing the gun outside the door.
The Coroner suggested the adjournment of the enquiry, and it
was agreed to continue the same the next evening at 6 o`clock, when the inquest
was resumed.
Copping on this occasion was represented by Mr. Mowll,
solicitor.
William Thomas Spicer, labourer, gave evidence as to seeing
deceased fall, and helping him into Lea`s shop, and then to the Dispensary, in
the course of going to which deceased cried much and said “This will kill me”.
The Coroner warned Copping before he was sworn, and said
that considering the position he was in he could decline to give evidence, but
on the advice of his solicitor he elected to give evidence.
Charles Copping, sworn, said: I am a carpenter in the employ
of the S.E.R. Company, residing at Foord. On Monday last at about 5 minutes to
one I was coming up Tontine Street on my way home to dinner, and on arriving at
De Lacy`s Shooting Saloon, I went in, and to the counter to where the guns lay.
I asked for a gun, and paid 1d. Paul gave a gun to me loaded, which I
discharged at a bottle. I missed the bottle and asked for another shot. I fired
again and missed, and then had another shot. Paul said nothing to me, but
simply handed me the gun. I placed the gun to my shoulder and was aiming at a
glass globe, and whilst doing this, someone passed in the street and called out
“Turn him out or push him out. He can`t shoot”. My back was to the street at
that time. On my hearing the person call out I took the gun from my shoulder,
turned eound to the left, keeping the barrel of the gun in my left hand and the
stock in my right, moved to the door and looked down the street to see if I
could see the man who called out. The muzzle of the gun was pointing sideways down
the street. I did not see anyone that I knew. If I had seen the man I should
have spoken to him then, or when I saw him again, as I did not think it right
for him to startle me in that manner. I am not used to a gun, and have never
used one except at a fair. Did not know the gun was loaded with powder and
ball. I thought that it was loaded with a small dart or needle, and a cap on
the nipple, such as they use at a fair. Paul never said to me on either
occasion “The gun is loaded, and it pulls light”. I heard the hammer go down,
but I did not pull the trigger, and had no intention of doing so. Paul either
took the gun out of my hand, or I gave it to him. He did not say anything to
me. I went outside the door when I heard that a boy was shot, and I exclaimed
“Good gracious!”, but I did not then know that I had done it.
In answer to Mr. Mowll, witness said he had been 35 years in
the employ of the Company, and was greatly distressed at what had occurred.
Mr. W.J. Tyson M.D. said he saw the deceased boy at the
Infirmary on Monday at half past one o`clock. He examined him and found a wound
on the lower part of the stomach. He probed it, but found nothing in it. The
next day, at eight o`clock in the evening, he saw the deceased again. He said
he felt something in a spot indicated, and on examining it he found the bullet,
which had passed from the bladder through the urethra. The inflammation might
have been set up by the escape of urine, or from the wound alone. The deceased
died of peritonitis, produced by the wound.
Mr. E.C. Maynard, surgeon, gave corroborative evidence.
Supt. Taylor gave evidence similar to that which he gave on
Tuesday. He charged Copping with discharging a firearm within 50 feet of the
centre of the roadway.
Mr. Mowll briefly addressed the jury, forcibly pointing out
how the evidence proved that Copping did not know the deadly nature of the
weapon he was firing, that it was a thorough accident, for which no-one could
be blamed.
The Coroner summed up at considerable length, explaining the
law as to what constituted criminal negligence, and pointing out that if
Copping did not know that he was holding a dangerous weapon then it might be
fairly inferred that it was a misadventure.
The jury returned a verdict that the deceased met his death
by misadventure, and added a rider expressing a hope that steps would be taken
to have the shooting saloon closed.
Friday, August 28th: Before W. Carter Esq.,
Aldermen Caister and Sherwood, Dr. Bateman, and Mr. Fitness.
Charles Copping, carpenter, appeared on remand, charged with
unlawfully wounding the lad, George Holliday, on the 24th inst.
Mr. Minter prosecuted, and briefly stated the facts of the
case, which appear in the report of the Coroner`s Inquest.
Mr. Mowll, in an earnest defence, strongly dwelt on the
accidental character of the act, and on that view of the case being taken by
the Coroner`s jury, as shown by their verdict, and begged the Magistrates not
to send the case for trial.
The Chairman said they had given the case careful
consideration, and they very much sympathised with the accused, but they
thought the case ought to go before a judge.
The accused was then formally committed to the Kent Assizes.
Bail being accepted, himself in £25, and another, Mr. Tunbridge, landlord of
the Castle Inn, Foord, in £25.
Folkestone Express
29-8-1885
Inquest
The shooting gallery in Tontine Street, besides being a
nuisance, has been shown to be a considerable source of danger. On Monday
afternoon, between one and two o`clock, a boy who was passing received a shot
in the abdomen, and was taken to the Infirmary, when he was attended by Dr.
Tyson. The facts of the case were elicited before the Magistrates on Tuesday
morning, when an elderly man named Charles Copping, a ship`s carpenter,
employed by the S.E.R. Company, was charged with causing injury to the boy,
whose name is George Holliday.
On Tuesday the injured lad died from the effects of his
injuries, and on Wednesday evening an inquest was held at the Town Hall before
the Borough Coroner. The following evidence was taken:
Thomas Bottle, a carter, living at 42, Coolinge Street,
identified the body, which was lying at the Hospital, as that of William George
Holliday, son of George Holliday, of the Wheatsheaf public house. On Monday,
about five minutes to one, he was walking with the deceased in Tontine Street,
going towards the Viaduct. They were on the right hand side, walking close to
the gutter. Deceased helloed out and said he was shot. They were opposite Mr.
Bridges` yard, and he took deceased in there. He put his hand down to his
stomach. He heard a sound like the snap of a whip, but did not notice where it
came from. He saw no-one with a gun. He knew there was a shooting gallery
there, but did not think of it at the time. He was looking at deceased. He
undressed deceased to see if he was shot, and saw a bullet wound in the side of
his stomach, and it was bleeding. A young man named Spicer helped witness to
carry deceased into Mr. Lea`s, the chemist, who said he could do nothing for
him, and they then took him to the Dispensary, and witness went and told his
mother. He had measured the distance from the centre of the door of the
shooting gallery to the spot where deceased was standing; it was 46 feet.
David Paul, a glass blower and manager of the shooting
gallery, living at 27, North Street, said the saloon belonged to Mr. De Lacy.
It was a galvanised iron building, and situated on the right hand of Tontine
Street, going up in a line with the ordinary buildings. It was 26 feet long and
12 feet wide. Persons who went in to shoot stood with their backs to the
street, and the bullets struck against wrought iron bullet proof plates. A
counter went right across the saloon, from five to six feet from the front
door, on which the guns were laid. They were Eley`s No. 1 saloon guns and were
loaded with Eley`s No. 1 cartridges. He could not say the weight of the powder
in the cartridge. On Monday at five minutes to one there were three persons in
the saloon besides himself; Mr. Standing, pork butcher, a man lately in the
employ of Mr. Major, butcher, and the man using the gun, whose name he did not
then know, but whom he identified as Charles Copping. He had two shots at a
bottle, and had paid for a third. He loaded the gun a third time, and Copping
gave him a penny and took the gun. He was standing against the counter, with
his back to the street. He put the gun to his shoulder and pointed to a bottle
at the other end of the building. While he was in that position one of the
South Eastern boatmen passed and shouted out in a joke “Chuck him out”. Copping
turned round to see who it was. The man had then passed on. He told Copping it
was very foolish of him to turn round with the gun in his hand, because it
would be firing in the street. The gun was not at his shoulder when he turned
round, but the muzzle pointed down the street. Copping still held the gun in
that position, and while he was holding it it went off. Witness took the gun
from Copping, because he heard the trigger go down, saying “I hope that gun has
not gone off down the street”. He did not hear any report. The guns made very
little reports. Copping looked out of the door, but said nothing. A few minutes
after Mr. De Lacy went in, and asked if a boy had been shooting there. He said
“No”. Mr. De Lacy went out and returned in a minute or two and said a boy had
been shot. Copping then said “I pulled the gun off”. The man who called out was
going towards the harbour. He did not know what the pull of the trigger was;
the lock was in good order and pulled stiffly. The gun was cocked when he gave
it to Copping. He always told people the guns were cocked and had a light pull.
James Standing, pork butcher, of 42, Tontine Street, said
he was standing looking into the window of the shooting saloon about one
o`clock on Monday. He saw Copping go in, and heard him ask to have a penny
shot. He shot twice at a bottle, and asked to have a third shot. The gun was
loaded and handed to him by Paul. Copping put the gun to his shoulder and stood
against the counter aiming at the bottles. A young man passing said “Chuck him
out of there. He can`t shoot” in a joke, and passed on. Copping turned half way
round to the doorway, and the muzzle of the gun pointed out of the door. He had
taken the gun from his shoulder and took from two to three steps from the
counter to the doorway. Mr. Paul helloed to him not to point the gun in the
street. Copping said nothing, but appeared to be looking after the man who had
called out. He did not say “Can`t I shoot? I`ll show you!”. Witness told him he
must not point the gun in the street,, and immediately the gun went off.
Copping handed the gun back to Paul, who made some remark, but what it was
witness could not say.
The enquiry was then adjourned until Thursday.
Mr. Mowll said Copping deeply regretted what had occurred
and desired to give evidence. The witness said on Monday he was on his way to
dinner, shortly before one o`clock. He went into the shooting saloon in Tontine
Street. He asked for a gun. The guns were lying on the counter. He paid a penny,
Paul handed him a gun, and he discharged it at a bottle at the other end of the
building. He missed the bottle and asked for another shot. He fired again and
missed, and asked for another. Paul handed him the gun, but said nothing. He
had never seen one of the guns before. He placed the gun to his shoulder and
was aiming at a little glass globe. While he was doing so, someone passed in
the street and called “Turn him out” or “Push him out. He can`t shoot”. At that
time his back was to the street. He did not know the person`s voice, but he
called out very loud. He dropped the gun to his hip, turned round to the left,
took a step forward and looked out into the street to see if he could see the
man who called out. The muzzle of the gun pointed just out of the door towards
the harbour. He did not see anyone that he knew. When the man called out it
startled him, and if he had seen who it was he should have spoken to him about
it when he met him. While he was looking out at the door the gun went off. Standing
was outside, looking through the window, and he said it was very foolish to let
the gun point into the street. He heard a very slight noise when he fired the
first two shots. He did not hear any noise except the falling of the hammer. He
was not used to guns. He did not know it was loaded with powder and ball. He
thought it was only loaded with a dart and a cap on the nipple. Paul did not
say the gun was loaded and pulled light. He could not say whether he pulled the
trigger. He did not intend to pull it. Nor could he say whether his finger was
on the trigger. He did not see anyone in the street but Standing. He stepped
back from the door, and Paul either took the gun out of his hand, or he gave it
up – he could not say which. Paul said nothing to him that he could recollect.
He left the gallery and went on to the footpath, and then he heard that a boy
had been shot. Sergeant Ovenden took witness first to the Dispensary, and then
to the Police Station, where he was detained till nine o`clock at night.
In reply to Mr. Mowll, he said he had been 35 years in
the employ of the Railway Company.
Mr. W.J. Tyson, M.D., said he saw the deceased boy at the
Infirmary on Monday at half past one o`clock. He examined him and found a wound
on the lower part of the stomach. He probed it but found nothing in it. The
next day at eight o`clock in the evening he saw the deceased again. He said he
felt something in a spot indicated, and on examining it he found the bullet,
which had passed from the bladder through the urethra. The inflammation might
have been set up by the escape of urine, or from the wound alone.
Mr. E.C. Maynard, surgeon, said he was at the Infirmary
when deceased was taken in. He examined him and found a wound at the lower part
of the stomach, which was bleeding. He probed the wound and found nothing. On
the following day he saw deceased. He died at half past ten on Tuesday evening.
He had since made a post mortem examination, and found that death was caused by
acute peritonitis arising from the inflammation set up by the passage of a
bullet which had penetrated the bladder.
Supt. Taylor gave evidence similar to that which he gave
on Tuesday. He charged Copping with discharging a firearm within 50 feet of the
centre of the roadway.
Mr. Mowll addressed the jury on Copping`s behalf, urging
that there was no culpable negligence on his part, but that it was a pure
accident.
The Coroner summed up at considerable length, explaining
the law as to what constituted criminal negligence, and pointing out that if
Copping did not know that he was holding a dangerous weapon, then it might be
fairly inferred that it was a misadventure.
The jury returned a verdict that the deceased met his
death by misadventure, and added a rider expressing a hop that steps would be
taken to have the shooting saloon closed.
Folkestone News
29-8-1885
Tuesday, August 25th: Before The Mayor, Dr.
Bateman, Captain Carter, Alderman Caister, W.J. Jeffreason and J. Holden Esqs.
Charles Copping was charged with unlawfully wounding George
Holliday on the 24th August.
David Paul said: I manage a shooting saloon in Tontine
Street for Mr. John De Lacy. Prisoner came to the saloon yesterday about one
o`clock in the daytime “to have a shot or so”. The rifle (produced) is the one
used. Bottles, pipes, glass balls and targets are shot at. Prisoner came in and
had two shots. I loaded the rifle with Eley`s No. 1 bulleted cartridges, and
then having loaded it a third time I gave it to the prisoner. He put the rifle
to his shoulder, when one of the other boatmen passed by and shouted out as he
went by “Chuck him out”. Prisoner turned round and the rifle went off. It was
quite an accident. I heard no report. I said “It is very foolish to point a gun
like that”. He made no reply, and I took the gun from him. I pulled back the
trigger, and found the cartridge spent. Afterwards Mr. De Lacy came in and said
a boy had been shot, and prisoner said he had the gun. I did not see the boy.
Superintendent Taylor said: Shortly after one yesterday I
went to the Infirmary, and there saw a boy named Holliday, about fourteen years
of age. He had just been admitted suffering from a gunshot wound in the
stomach. He could give no account as to how it happened. He is progressing
favourably under the care of Dr. Tyson. I ask for a remand until Saturday.
The Bench admitted the prisoner to bail for the sum of £10
each, on his own recognisance, and one surety.
Mr. Bradley asked to whom the premises belonged.
Superintendent Taylor said Mr. Milton was the superior
landlord.
Mr. Bradley said it was a busy street, and he was not sure
it was not an offence under the Highway Act to let a place for such purposes as
a shooting saloon.
Inquest
An inquest was held at the Town Hall on Wednesday evening
before the Borough Coroner (J. Minter Esq.), touching the death of William
George Holliday, who died from the effects of a gunshot wound.
John Bottle, carter, 43, Coolinge Street, said: I identify
the body just viewed by the jury as that of William George Holliday, son of
George Holliday, who keeps the Wheatsheaf public house. He was thirteen years
of age. On Monday about one o`clock I was walking with deceased in Tontine
Street. We were on the right hand side of the pavement in the gutter going
towards the Viaduct. When opposite Messrs. Bridges` offices deceased cried out
“I`m shot”, and placed his hand on his stomach. I said “I don`t think you are”,
but, as he declared he was, I took him into Messrs. Bridges` yard. I saw no-one
with a gun, and I did not look towards the rifle shooting place. I only looked
at him. When I took him into the yard I
unbuttoned his clothes and saw a wound which was bleeding. He was then taken up
to the Dispensary by a Mr. Spicer, who carried him first to Mr. Lea`s, the
chemist, and from thence to the Dispensary. From the shooting saloon to the
place where deceased was is about 46 feet.
David Paul, a glass blower, living at 27, Tontine Street,
and now manager of the shooting saloon in Tontine Street for Mr. John De Lacy,
said: The place is situated opposite the Brewery, and is made of galvanised
iron. It abuts on the street and is twenty six feet long by twelve feet wide.
There is an entrance door and a window frame. People when shooting stand with
their backs to the street. The plates upon which the bullets strike are iron
and bullet proof. A counter goes across the place from which the shooter fires.
The counter is from five feet to ten feet from the door. We use Eley`s No. 1
saloon guns, and are loaded with Eley`s No. 1 cartridges. The cartridge
produced is one of the same. On Monday at five minutes to one o`clock there
were three gentlemen there besides myself, viz., Mr. Standing, of Tontine
Street, a man lately in the employ of Mr. Major, the butcher, and the man who
was using the gun – Charles Copping. Copping had already fired two shots, and
was in the act of firing a third when one of the South Eastern Railway
Company`s boatmen passed and shouted “Chuck him out”. Copping turned round to
see who it was and the gun must have gone off. I did not hear the man say “You
can`t shoot”. The man passed on. I told Copping it was very foolish of him to
turn round when he had the gun in his hand. It is foolish to do so because you
are firing into the street. Copping said nothing. Whilst holding the gun in his
hand it went off. The gun was pointing down the street. I took the gun from him
as soon as I heard the trigger go down and said “I hope that gun has not gone
off down the street”. I had heard no report. The side of the building is of
galvanised iron and there is no hole in it.
The Coroner said he could not understand how the man could
have discharged the shot down the street considering that the witness` evidence
was to the effect that the man was standing by the counter 5 or 6 ft. inside
the shop.
The witness now said Copping moved to the door before the
gun went off. The gun pointed towards the harbour. The man said nothing when he
got to the door. He looked out towards the harbour. The man who shouted out
“Chuck him out” was going towards the harbour. The gun produced is that with
which Copping fired and it is in good order. The gun was cocked when I gave it
to him.
James Standing said he was standing outside the saloon
looking in at the window and saw what took place. He was positive Copping did
not point the gun at anyone when he went to the door.
At this point the inquest was adjourned until the next
evening at 6 o`clock.
The inquest was resumed on Thursday evening. Mr. Mowll, of
Dover, now appeared for the man Copping.
The first witness was Thos. W. Spicer, who gave evidence as
to carrying deceased, first into Mr. Lea`s, the chemist, and afterwards to the
Dispensary.
Chas. Copping was next called, and was cautioned by the
Coroner as to giving evidence. It was pointed out to him that he need not say
anything unless he chose to do so, but Mr. Mowll said Copping would prefer to
give his version of the affair, and was accordingly sworn.
Chas. Copping said: I am a carpenter, in the employ of the
South Eastern Railway on one of the boats, and live at 7, Palmerston Cottages,
Foord. On Monday last at five minutes to one o`clock I was going up Tontine
Street on my way home to dinner. I went into the shooting saloon and walked up
to the counter where the guns were laid. Paul handed one to me and I paid a
penny. I discharged it at a bottle at the other end of the building. I missed
the bottle, and then asked Paul for another shot. I again missed the bottle,
and asked for another shot. I did not see anything about the cartridge. I have
never seen one before. I put the gun to my shoulder and aimed at a glass globe.
Whilst I was aiming someone passed in the street and called out “Turn him out.
He can`t shoot”. At that time my back was towards the street. I did not know
the man`s voice. I turned round, stepped back a pace or two, and looked out of
the door to see who it was that had called out. (Witness illustrated his action
with the gun). The muzzle of the gun pointed towards the harbour. I did not see
anyone I knew. I am not used to a gun. I never use one except at a fair. I have
been 35 years in the S.E.R. Company`s service.
Dr. Tyson said: I saw the deceased at the Infirmary on
Monday at half past one. I examined him and found a wound in the lower part of
the wall of the stomach. I saw him again at eight o`clock on Tuesday evening,
when he passed the bullet I now produce.
Dr. Maynard said the cause of death was acute peritonitis.
Supt. Taylor also gave evidence.
Mr. Minter then summed up and the jury returned a verdict of
Death By Misadventure, adding a strongly worded rider against shooting saloons
being allowed so near the public thoroughfare.
Southeastern Gazette
29-8-1885
Local News
At the Folkestone police court, on Wednesday, a mariner named Copping was
charged with shooting a lad named Holliday. The prisoner waa at a shooting
gallery on Tuesday in Tontine Street, and on turning round fired a rifle accidentally
in the street. The bullet struck the lad as he was passing by, entering his
abdomen. The boy was removed to the infirmary, and died on Wednesday morning.
The prisoner was remanded till today (Saturday).
Kentish Gazette 1-9-1885
At the Police Court on Monday, Charles Coppin, a mariner, was charged with wounding George Holliday.
David Paul, the manager of a rifle saloon in Folkestone, said prisoner came into his saloon and shot at some bottles and pipes. The rifle he shot with was loaded with cartridge. Prisoner, after firing two shots, put the rifle to his shoulder to shoot another. Just then someone shouted to prisoner from the street, and he turned round and the gun went off, shooting the lad Holliday in the abdomen as he was passing in the street.
The prisoner was remanded at the request of Superintendent Taylor.
The lad Holliday died on Wednesday after the prisoner had been brought up at the Police Court.
On Friday the Coroner concluded his inquiry. The jury returned a verdict of “Death by misadventure”.
Folkestone Express
5-9-1885
Local News
On Friday morning Charles Copping was charged before
Captain Carter, Alderman Sherwood, Dr. Bateman and J. Fitness Esq. with
“Feloniously killing and slaying one William George Holliday”. The evidence
taken at the Coroner`s inquest was repeated by the several witnesses, who in
their cross-examination by Mr. Mowll, who appeared for the accused, added
nothing of importance.
Mr. Mowll then put in the evidence given by Copping at
the inquest as his statement before the magistrates, and it was read. Mr. Mowll
desired to supplement that statement, and asked the Bench to bear with him
while he made a few observations on the man`s behalf. He was quite sure, if the
magistrates determined to send the man for trial, it would only be from a
strict sense of public duty, because he maintained that as the case had already
been investigated before a Coroner`s jury, who had the great advantage of the
advice and experience of his friend Mr. Minter, and who had the opportunity of
hearing the man`s evidence, and judging of the way in which he gave it, yet
they came to the conclusion that the boy`s death was not the result of culpable
negligence, but of misadventure, and consequently Copping was discharged. The
facts of the case were practically not disputed. Defendant was in the employ of
the South Eastern railway Company. He was going home to dinner, he saw the
shooting gallery, and having threepence in his pocket he went in to have three
shots at a glass bottle. He fired two shots and was about to fire the third,
when someone passing outside subjected him to a little chaff. In a moment the
man turned round and looked out of the door, having the gun in his hand, and it
went off. What he put before the Coroner`s jury was that it was instantly done,
and there was no culpable negligence such as the Bench must come to the
conclusion there was before they committed the man to take his trial. When his
learned friend summed up the case to the jury, he pointed out what appeared to
be the crux of the case. The man in his evidence swore that he did not know
whether the gun was loaded with powder and bullet or with a dart, and if the
Magistrates would carry their minds back to a time when they were foolish
enough, in the days of their boyhoods, to have some shots at fairs with those
rifles, they would remember that they were only loaded with a cap and a dart.
The Bench would see the man knew practically nothing about firearms, and it was
clear there was nothing in the report of the rifle to lead one to suppose it
was charged with powder and ball. The Bench had inspected the cartridge, and
knew that it only contained one or two grains of powder so that the noise of
the report was reduced to a minimum – all the witnesses agreed that it was
nothing more than the hammer going down on the cap. If that were so, and if
Copping honestly believed it was only a dart, such as was ordinarily used on
these occasions, then, as the learned Coroner put it to the jury, there was no
negligence whatever in his taking the rifle in his hand to the door, because
the dart could not possibly have caused any injury. The evidence of Copping was
not contradicted beyond the fact that Paul swore before the Coroner`s jury that
he told him the rifle was loaded and the pull was light, but he contradicted
himself. No doubt he was anxious to shield himself. The duty the Bench had to
discharge was this: They had to consider whether under the circumstances of the
case there was any reasonable probability that the jury would convict the man
on manslaughter, and if they came to the conclusion that there was no such
probability, then defendant was entitled to be dismissed. Were the Bench going
to say that another jury would be likely to reverse the decision the Coroner`s
jury arrived at – a jury, which he pointed out, was composed of men of more
than ordinary intelligence. It was not only the distress and anguish the man
would suffer during the three or four months he was waiting his trial, but of
course to a man in his class of life the very cost of the trial would be
enormous punishment. He asked the Bench to consider all those facts, and hoped
they would come to the conclusion that it was not necessary to send the case
for trial.
The Magistrates consulted with the Clerk for a long time,
and then Captain Carter, addressing Copping, said: We are very sorry to see you
placed in the serious position you are in. The Bench have given very careful
consideration to the evidence that has been given, and also to the able defence
put forward by your solicitor. We are clearly of opinion that we have no option
in this case but we must send you for trial. A jury under the direction of a
judge will say how far you have been culpable in causing the death of the boy.
We must therefore commit you for trial at the next assizes. At the same time
the Bench sympathise with you very much in the unfortunate position in which
you are placed.
Bail was accepted for the defendant, himself in £25, and
one security in £25.
Folkestone News
5-9-1885
At the Police Court on Friday before Captain Carter, Dr.
Bateman, Aldermen Caister and Sherwood, and J. Fitness Esq., Charles Copping
surrendered on remand to the charge of unlawfully wounding William George Holliday,
the case being taken this day instead of Saturday to suit the convenience of
witnesses and others.
The charge was now amended to that of “Feloniously killing
and slaying William George Holliday”.
Mr. J. Minter prosecuted, and Mr. W. Mowll defended.
Mr. J. Palmer, from the Surveyor`s office, proved the
correctness of the plan of that part of Tontine Street where the occurrence
took place, put in for the guidance of the magistrates.
After the whole of the depositions had been signed,
defendant was charged.
Mr. Mowll then said they desired to put in the evidence of
defendant, given before the Coroner.
The Magistrates` Clerk then read this evidence as
defendant`s statement, and Mr. Mowll said to supplement that statement he would
add, that if, as a matter of public duty, the Bench felt they must send
defendant for trial, he wished to state that the Coroner`s jury had found a
verdict of death by misadventure, when they had had the benefit of the guidance
of his learned friend sitting as Coroner, and he would urge, as he had urged at
the inquest, that this sad event occurred in a moment of time, when the
defendant turned round with the gun in his hand. There was no culpable
negligence on the part of the defendant. In fact he felt that the whole crux of
the case lay in the circumstance as shown in the evidence, that the defendant
did not know the nature of the weapon he had in his hand. The absence of any
report when the gun was discharged no doubt led him to that conclusion, and to
think that it was a harmless weapon like those guns where a dart is used and
fired by a cap. He also insisted that there was no reasonable probability of a
verdict of manslaughter being returned against
Copping, and if so, he felt that the prisoner was entitled to be
discharged. He hoped they would not send him for trial, as the anguish already
caused to him by the occurrence was very great, and the cost would be terrible
to a man in his position.
After some consideration, Captain Carter, as Chairman of the
Bench, said, addressing defendant: We are clearly of opinion that we must send
you for trial, so that a jury, under the guidance of a judge, may say how far
you were guilty of culpable negligence. The Bench`s sympathies are very much
with you, but you must be committed to the next Assizes at Maidstone for
manslaughter.
Bail was immediately accepted, one surety in £25 by Mr.
Tunbridge, of the Castle Inn, Foord, and the defendant`s own recognizance of
£25.
Folkestone Chronicle
31-10-1885
At the Kent Assizes on Monday, Charles Copping, on bail, was
indicted for the manslaughter of W.G. Holliday, at Folkestone, on the 25th
August. Mr. Denman prosecuted, and Mr. Stephen defended.
David Paul deposed that he was the manager of De Lacy`s
shooting saloon in Tontine Street, Folkestone. On the 24th August
the prisoner came to the saloon, at about one o`clock, and had some shots. The
third time witness cocked the rifle ready for him to fire, and just as he was
about to fire a man passed, and as the prisoner turned round he brought the gun
down to the “charge”, with the muzzle pointing down Tontine Street.
By Mr. Stephen: He never heard the report of the gun. It
generally made a very slight report.
James Standen, a pork butcher carrying on his business in
Tontine Street deposed that he knew the deceased. On the 24th August
his attention was drawn to the shooting gallery, and he saw the prisoner go in.
Thomas Bottle, a carpenter living in Folkestone, said he was
going up Tontine Street on the day in question, and when he got opposite Messrs.
Bridge`s offices he met the deceased, who immediately exclaimed “I am shot!”.
Witness took him into a yard close by, and witness then saw a wound in the left
side of the stomach.
T.W. Spicer, a labourer, said he saw the boy Holliday fall
down, and on picking him up he found he was shot.
Supt. Taylor, of the Folkestone Police, deposed to
apprehending the prisoner.
After further evidence the jury acquitted the prisoner.
Folkestone Express
31-10-1885
Kent Assizes
At the Kent Assizes on Monday, Charles Copping, on bail,
was indicted for the manslaughter of William George Holliday, at Folkestone, on
the 25th August. Mr. Denman prosecuted, and Mr. Stephen defended.
David Paul deposed that he was the manager of De Lacy`s shooting saloon in
Tontine Street, Folkestone. On the 24th August the prisoner came to
the saloon, at about one o`clock, and had some shots. The third time witness
cocked the rifle ready for him to fire, and just as he was about to fire a man
passed, and as prisoner turned round he brought the gun down to the “charge”,
with the muzzle pointing down Tontine Street.
By Mr. Stephen: He never heard the report of the gun. It
generally made a very slight report.
James Standing, a pork butcher, carrying on business in
Tontine Street, deposed that he knew the deceased. On the 24th
August his attention was attracted to the shooting gallery, and he then saw the
prisoner go in.
Thomas Bottle, a carter, living at Folkestone, said he
was going up Tontine Street on the day in question, and when he got opposite
Messrs. Bridge`s offices he met the deceased, who immediately exclaimed “I am
shot”. Witness took him into a yard close by, and witness then saw a wound in
the left side of the stomach.
Thomas William Spicer, a labourer, said he saw the boy Holliday
fall down, and on picking him up, he found he was shot.
Supt. Taylor, of the Folkestone police, deposed to
apprehending the prisoner.
After further evidence, the jury acquitted the prisoner.
Folkestone News
31-10-1885
Assizes
The winter assizes for the county of Kent were opened at the
Sessions House, Maidstone, on Monday morning, before the Hon. Sir James
Fitzjames Stephen, the judge appointed to traverse the circuit.
Charles Copping, on bail, was indicted for the manslaughter
of William George Holliday, at Folkestone, on the 25th August.
Mr. Denman prosecuted, and Mr. Stephen defended the accused.
David Paul deposed that he was the manager of Lacey`s
shooting saloon in Tontine Street, Folkestone. On the 24th August
the prisoner came to the saloon about one o`clock and had some shots. The third
time witness cocked the rifle ready for him to fire, and just as he was about
to fire a man passed, and as prisoner turned round he brought the gun down to
the charge, with the muzzle pointing down Tontine Street.
By Mr. Stephen: He never really heard the report of the gun.
It generally made a very slight report.
James Standen, a pork butcher, carrying on business in
Tontine Street, deposed that he knew the deceased. On the 24th
August his attention was attracted to the shooting gallery, and he then saw the
prisoner go in.
Thomas Bottle, a carter, living at Folkestone, said he was
going up Tontine Street on the day in question, and when he got opposite
Messrs. Bridges` offices he met the deceased, who immediately exclaimed “I am
shot”. Witness took him into a yard close by, and witness then saw a wound in
the left side of the stomach.
Thomas William Spicer, a labourer, said he saw the boy
Holliday fall down, and on picking him up he found he was shot.
Supt. Taylor, of the Folkestone police, deposed to
apprehending the prisoner.
After further evidence, the jury acquitted the prisoner.
Kentish Gazette 3-11-1885
Assizes, Maidstone, Monday, before The Hon. Sir James Fitzjames Stephen.
Charles Copping, on bail, was indicted for the manslaughter of William George Holliday, at Folkestone, on the 25th August. Mr. Denman prosecuted and Mr. Stephen defended the accused.
Prisoner went to Lacey`s shooting saloon in Tontine Street, Folkestone, and carelessly pointed a rifle down the street. The weapon exploded and deceased was shot in the stomach and mortally wounded.
The jury acquitted the prisoner.
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