QSR1851/1/5/23/a

Depositions of Richard Woods, licenced victualler of Hockcliffe, Thomas Woods, labourer of Heath & Reach, Thomas Baker, licensed victualler of Hockcliffe, and William Clough, police superintendent of Hockcliffe. In the case of John Dearman accused of stealing 6 live fowls

23 November 1850

From: 1850 To: 1851

Thomas Woods: managed a farm on behalf of his brother Richard. He knew there to be 19 fowls on 17 November but missing 6 fowls the next morning. He advised his brother. Richard Woods: made some enquiries about his missing fowls and went to Sergeant Clough. He suspected the accused, who had worked for him at the farm for 3 days the previous week. He went to Thomas Baker, who kept the Red Lion public house in Hockclife. Baker confirmed Dearman had been at his house the previous day but mentioned no fowls. Later Baker came to Woods house and told him he had bought the fowls from John Dearman the previous day and for 4 shillings. He went with Baker to get the fowls from hi house and gave them into the custody of Sergeant Clough. Thomas Baker: the accused came to his house on 18 November and asked him if he would buy some chickens. Baker was going out so he said he would and the accused left a sack with 6 chickens at his house. The chickens were dead. Soon after Richard Woods came to his house asking of the prisoner and the chickens. He told him he had seen the prisoner but did not mention the chickens. He later went to Woods and told him he had bought the chickens from Dearman. William Clough: he took Dearman into custody accused of stealing 6 fowls. Dearman said he knew nothing of it.

item

Dearman, John,
Wood, Richard,
Woods, Thomas,
Baker, Thomas,
Clough, William

stealing, fowls, HEATH & REACH, Hockcliffe