Imperial (1) 1925 - 1929

Folkestone Herald 5-12-1925

Obituary

We regret to record the death, on the 24^th ult., at 4, Pavilion Road, at the age of forty eight, of Mr. James Hill, second son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Hill, of the Imperial Hotel. After the death of his father, in conjunction with his late brother, deceased took over the hotel, but subsequently retired from the business. He was widely known and respected. The late Mr. Hill was unmarried, but leaves several close relatives. The funeral took place on Monday at the Cemetery.

Folkestone Herald 10-8-1929

Local News

Michael Piert was charged at Folkestone Police Court on Monday with doing wilful damage on the previous Saturday evening by smashing two glass windows and one glass panel in a door, the property of Alfred Edward Milton, of 63, Black Bull Road.

Mr. Milton said on Saturday night, between 9.30 and 10 o`clock, he went to get a glass of beer at the Imperial. Defendant also came in and asked for a drink, but was refused. Witness came out, and was on his way home, as he expected a visit from defendant. Witness`s daughter came running down and said “He is up home, Dad, kicking up a noise”. Witness told her to fetch the police, and he would go home. He went home, and as he got in the door, he heard a man using filthy language to witness`s wife, who was a confirmed invalid. As soon as he heard it, witness caught hold of defendant by the scruff of the neck, and threw him across the room. Defendant got up, and after a good struggle witness got him into the passage. Defendant went outside, and deliberately turned round and smashed a plate glass window pane in the door with his fist. He was intoxicated. He struck it with his fist, which went right through, and was cut a lot. Two minutes afterwards defendant turned round again and put his fist through another square of glass. The police then came up and took defendant in charge. The value of the glass was 15s. 6d.

P.C. Kennett said he went in consequence of a complaint and found a crowd of people surrounding defendant outside 63, Black Bull Road. Defendant was bleeding from both his face and fist, and was in a very intoxicated condition. Witness asked him what was the matter, and defendant replied “The woman I love is in that house. I mean to have her”. Mr. Milton said “I wish to give him in charge for smashing my window”. Witness cautioned defendant and told him he would take him to the police station on that charge. Witness took him to the police station, where he charged him. Defendant replied “I understand”. Witness went back to the house afterwards and discovered two panes of glass broken in the front window, and one in the front door.

Defendant told the Court he was at present working for the Canterbury Corporation, where he had a permanent job. He came down on Saturday night to get some articles which were at 63, Black Bull Road. He had been writing for them, but could not get them. He went to the door and got no answer to his knock, so he opened it and went in, finding Mrs. Milton there. Defendant alleged that when he went into the kitchen she started to call him names. He had had a few drinks, so he lost his temper. It was the first time he had been to the Police Court. He wanted to get back to the place where he came from.

Mr. Milton told the Magistrates that there was a little clock at the house belonging to defendant, and two or three more small things.

The Chief Constable (Mr. A.S. Beesley) said in July this year, from enquiries that had been made respecting the man, it was discovered that defendant and the daughter of Mr. Milton had been living together as man and wife, but were not married. Mr. Milton had been much upset, and had taken his daughter back to his own house and had refused defendant the house. Defendant had no right in the house at all and no right to force his way into it. He had not been in trouble before.

Defendant was fined 10s., and ordered to pay 15s. 6d. for the damage, a total of 25s. 6d. In default, he would go to prison for 14 days. He was allowed 7 days in which to pay.

Alderman G. Spurgen was in the chair.