QSR1850/2/5/5/a

Depositions of Charles Sibley, constable of St Neots, Frederick King, police constable of St Neots, William Islip, of Melchbourne, and Mary Cook, wife of Robert. In the case of William Chandler accused of stealing 3 silk handkerchiefs.

4 April 1850

From: 1850 To: 1850

Mary Cook: had been charwoman to William Islip for over 18 years. On 17 October, she had washed 3 silk handkerchiefs and hung them out on a hedge about 40 yards from Mr Islip's premises. About 10 minutes later, the accused came to the door asking for a penny, she did not give it to him. Later that day she missed the handkerchiefs. She had been meant to attend the Quarter Sessions in January but he been unaware of the date she was required to attend. Frederick King: following information, he had gone in search of the accused and found him in a cart belonging to William Atkinson of St Neots, at the Fox and Hounds in St Neots. He was charged by William Islip the younger of taking his father's handkerchiefs, and on searching him, they were found in his hat. The handkerchiefs were wet, as they had recently been washed. The prisoner said he had found them. King had attended the Grand Jury in January to give evidence in this case. However, the prosecutor William Islip failed to attend. William Islip the younger: was with Constable King when the accused was detained and the handkerchiefs were found. He identified them as his fathers. Charles Sibley: whilst in custody, William Chandler confessed to him that he had taken the handkerchiefs.

item

Chandler, William,
Sibley, Charles,
King, Frederick,
Islip, William,
Cook, Mary,
Atkinson, William

Buckden, MELCHBOURNE, St Neots, stealing, handkerchief, St. Neots Fox and Hounds