QSR1855/3/5/2b

Depositions of George Derrett, harness maker of Luton, William Cawdell, harness maker of Luton and James Bates, superintendent of police of Luton. In the case of George Stokes, accused of obtaining a leather horse collar and a carpenter's rule by false pretences.

9 April 1855

From: 1855 To: 1855

George Derrett: a harness maker in Luton. On 15 March the prisoner came to his shop and asked if he wanted to buy any size straw which he would have on Monday. Derrett used that in his business. Derrett said he would not have any as he had some. The prisoner looked at several articles and asked the pieces of them. Stokes asked if one item would fit any horse and took a rule, saying he would go and measure and then bring it back in 10 minutes. The prisoner left the shop and took the collar and rule with him. Stokes did not return. Derrett went in search of him bit could not find him. Stokes had not said where his horse was. From enquires he made Derrett was lead to believe Stokes did not have a horse in town. He did not sell the collar to the prisoner. William Cadwell: a harness maker of Luton. On 15 March the prisoner came to the shop and asked if he wanted to buy any straw. He told the prisoner he did not. The prisoner stopped a short time and said he had a horse and cart and would be with him again in a few minutes. The prisoner said he was going to ride home with John Wheeler. The prisoner went away and did not come back again. From enquiries he had he believed the prisoner did not have a horse and cart with him. PC James Bates: he had known the prisoner for 15 years and knew he had no horse and cart. When he was conveying the prisoner to Luton he asked him what he had done with the collar and Stokes said he had sold it to a stranger. Statement of the accused: he went into Derrett’s shop and asked him if he wanted any straw. Derrett said not at the present. He looked at the collar and a pair of brass harness. He bought the collar and brass harness for 12s 6d. He bought a purse which was in the window for a shilling and Derrett gave him his card saying if he wanted a light harness he would be happy to wait on him.

item

Stokes, George,
Derret, George,
Cawdell, William,
Bates, James

LUTON, false pretences, harness