QSR1851/1/5/21-22/a

Depositions of; William Hines, watchman of Eaton Socon, Robert Hart, rural police of Eaton Socon, In the case of Edward Markham & John Markham accused of assaulting Robert Hart whilst in the execution of his duty.

12 November 1850

From: 1849 To: 1851

Robert Hart: held a warrant for the apprehension of John Markham, accused of destroying turnips. About 1 o'clock on Sunday morning, he met the prisoner on the Eaton side of the St Neots Bridge. He took Markham into custody, and told him the charge. The prisoner swore he would not go with Hart and called out "Ted". Within a minute John Markham's brother Edward had come up to them and wanted to know the charge. Edward Markham struck Hart around the head with his fists, Hart was holding John Markham by his collar, and pulled out his staff to defend himself but John Markham prevented him from using it. Both men then set about kicking Hart. Hart had to release his grip on John Markham in order to retrieve his staff. Hart called out for the watchmen, who arrived with several other men and the prisoners ran off. Hart went after the prisoners and detained both men. Hart was very much bruised by the blows to his head and legs. His hat was also knocked off during the scuffle and it had a handkerchief inside. William Hines: was a watchman appointed in St Neots under the Watching & Lighting Act. He heard Constable Hart calling out for watchmen and he ran up the bridge. As he arrived he saw the prisoners running away and hart following them. He saw Hart's hat and handkerchief lying on the round. He followed after them and overtook John Markham on Crop Hall Lane. He then assisted Hart in taking the prisoners into custody. After being taken into custody the prisoners refused to go to the cage and a cart was fetched to take them. They still refused to go willingly and so they were obliged to use force.

item

Markham, Edward,
Markham, John,
Hart, Robert,
Hines, William

assault, police, EATON SOCON, St Neots, watchman, Lighting & Watching Act 1833