QSR1898/4/5/14b

The Examination of Harry Goodman, London Road, Woburn, Boot Maker; John Burt, Porter at the London and North Western Station at Woburn Sands; Andrew Pickering, Inspector of Police Stationed at Woburn Sand, Beds. In the case of Albert Wilson accused of unlawfully and knowingly by a certain false pretence did obtain and from Harry Goodman of Woburn in the County of Bedford, Shoemaker a certain quantity of food of the value of nine pence of the goods and chattels of the said Harry Goodman with intent to defraud contrary of the statute.

28th October 1898

From: 1898 To: 1898

The said Harry Goodman sworn saith: - I live in London Road Woburn and am a Boot Maker. On the 20th October 1898 I saw the prisoner in the house of Miss Shaw in Chapel Street Woburn. He was enquiring for lodgings – Miss Shaw in the prisoners presence asked me if I had any lodgings to let – I said “Yes” we have a spare room – The Prisoner said “I am working in the Goods Shed at Woburn Sands Station and only came there this morning” He accompanied me to my home – We went into the kitchen – my wife was present – The prisoner repeated his statement that he was engaged at the Goods Shed at Woburn Sands and added that he need not go that day but should start work next morning. He offered 14/-s a week for Board lodging and washing - On the faith of his statement that he was working at Woburn Sands Station I agreed to take him at that price - He had Vegetables and pudding for Dinner (having brought his own meat) and bread and butter and biscuits for tea. He also asked that his food for the next day might be packed up. But this was not done. The said John Burt sworn saith I am a Porter at the London and North Western Station at Woburn Sands. The Defendant is a stranger to me. He is not and has not been recently employed at the Woburn Sands Station. He had no luggage left at the station. The said Andrew Pickering sworn saith: - I am an Inspector of Police Stationed at Woburn Sand, Beds. On the 20th October 1898 I went to the house of Harry Goodman and saw the prisoner there – Goodman accused the prisoner of obtaining food and lodgings by false pretence. I entered into conversation with him as to his occupation. He said he was a Checker in the goods department of the London and North Western Railway. I asked him where replied “the Last five years at Bedford. I am now going to work in the goods shed at Woburn Sands and have been sent up from Bedford this morning” I said “Have you made any arrangements to lodge here” He replied “I have made arrangements to lodge here for one week, I do not know how long I may have to stop at Woburn Sands” Goodman gave him into Custody and I charged him with obtaining food under false pretences. He said “I am guilty of that – I could pay for my Tea” I searched him at the Police Station he had no money on him at all - He had a silver watch and chain. Two silver medals mounted in gold and a basket containing a coloured silk handkerchief and other articles. Statement of Accused: I have nothing to say.

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Goodman, Harry,
Burt, John,
Pickering, Andrew

boot maker, porters, WOBURN SANDS, Woburn London Road, Woburn Chapel Street, inspector of police, fraud, false pretences