QSR1841/3/5/15

Depositions and examination - William Horn charged with assaulting a police constable in the execution of his duty

26 April 1841

From: 1841 To: 1841

Edward Scott, police constable residing at Flitwick - the previous day he had Joseph Chapman in custody and was proceeding with him on the road through Westoning towards Ampthill. William Horn, whose residence is at Flitwick, came up and used abusive language towards him and asked what he was going to do with Chapman. He said he was taking Chapman to Ampthill Cage. Horn with an oath said "take that" and struck him on the neck. He pulled his truncheon out of his pocket and told Horn if he struck him again he would strike him. Horn came towards him in a threatening attitude and he struck Horn on the arm. Horn ran across the road, picked up a large pebble (now produced) and said he would knock his brains out if he did not release Chapman. Horn later came and tried to rescue Chapman from his custody. Joseph Roberts of Westoning, beer retailer - the previous day he saw Edward Scott pass his house with Chapman in custody about 3pm. Soon afterwards he saw William Horn and 2 others pass in the same direction. He heard Horn say "I will take the B___r away from him or else I will knock the b___y b___r's brains out". He followed them and saw Horn strike Scott. He saw Scott strike Horn with his truncheon at the time he was preparing to strike Scott. Horn then ran across the road, picked up a stone and threatened to knock his b___y brains out. Scott charged him to aid and assist him which he did. Joseph Chapman - he never threatened to known his brains out. He never offered to throw the stone at him. He asked Scott to let him have Chapman away and Scott struck him directly.

item

Scott, Edward,
Horn, William,
Chapman, Joseph,
Roberts, Joseph

FLITWICK, WESTONING, AMPTHILL, assault, police constable, beer retailer