QSR1850/3/5/4/a

Depositions of Joseph Hunt, labourer of Luton and Samuel Desborough, gamekeeper of Luton, in the case of Frederick North accused of assault on Samuel Desborough

29 April 1850

From: 1850 To: 1850

Samuel Desborough: was a watcher to Mr Leigh. He was walking in the South Courts wood just outside the park. William Hare rented the underwood. He saw 3 men walking in the wood. When asked what they were doing, the men ran. Desborough ran after them and caught hold of George Thompson. The other 2 men came in with their fists, knocking Desborough backwards. Whilst in the ground he was stuck by all three. He had a gun in both hands and felt someone pulling at it. He later found the gun stopped up with dirt and the ramrod broken. He then received a blow to the head, which he believed was a kick. He saw the prisoner running away; the other 2 were already out of sight. He left the woods and called out 'murder'. One of Mr Gutteridge's men came to assist him. Joseph Hunt: worked for Mr Gutteridge of West Hyde farm. He was working near the wood when he saw 3 men going toward the lodge of Luton Hoo Park and then go into the wood. He saw all their faces and he can identify the prisoner as one of the men. About 3/4 of an hour later, he heard the cry of 'murder' and saw Desborough with blood down his face and a wound to his head. He could hardly speak and appeared faint. He had a gun, which Hunt took from him, it was stopped up with dirt.

item

North, Frederick,
Desborough, Samuel,
Hunt, Joseph,
Thompson, George,
Gutteridge,
Leigh,
Hare, William

LUTON, Hyde West Hyde Farm, Luton Hoo, gamekeeper, assault