QSR1841/3/5/32-33

Depositions and examinations - Thomas Panter, Sergeant Panter, John Wright, William Baulk and Thomas Matthews

31 May 1841

From: 1841 To: 1841

Joseph Neal, police constable - on Sunday 30 May at about 11pm Harris, constable of Harrold, and himself passed Thomas Panter of Harrold in Little Odell. Panter made some observations to them. They stopped at the public house kept by Thomas Nells and had 3d worth of beer and water. Panter came to the door and becuase Nells would not admit him made a great disturbance. Panter was drunk. He got Panter to Harrold and took him into custody. As soon as he said Panter was his prisoner Panter struck him. He handcuffed Panter and removed him about 50 or 60 yards. Panter's brother came up and tried to rescue him from Harris and himself. After that William Baulk and Thomas Matthews both came up and declared he should not take Panter. They were joined by John Wright in obstructing him. None of the prisoners were drunk except Thomas Panter. Sergeant Panter struck him and tore his coat. He was dressed in his uniform. He was dragged about on Harrold Green by Baulk, Matthews, Wright and Sergeant Panter for more than an hour in their endeavour to rescue Thomas Panter James Harris of Harrold, constable for the parish of Harrold - he was with Neal the police constable before and after he took Thomas Panter into custody. He considered Thomas Panter "fresh". Panter insulted both himself and Neal very much before Neal took him into custody. He saw Thomas Panter kick at Neal twice but did not see him strike him. He saw Sergeant Panter come up to Neal and heard him say he should not take his brother. He saw Sergeant Panter push at Neal's breast with his hand, but cannot say whether he struck at him or not. He was not present when the other defendants came up as he had gone to Odell and Sharnbrook to seek for assistance. When he left Neal there were from 40 to 50 persons round. He almost dreaded to leave Neal - he considered his life was not safe. Thomas Panter and Sergeant Panter - the policeman has not told the truth. John Wright - he only begged Mr Neal not to hurt Thomas Panter's wrists with the handcuffs Thomas Matthews - had nothing to say. William Baulk - begs a favour of them to be as favourable with him as they can.

item

Neal, Joseph,
Panter, Thomas,
Panter, Sergeant,
Wright, John,
Baulk, William,
Matthews, Thomas,
Harris, James

HARROLD, Little Odell, ODELL, SHARNBROOK, assault, police constable, drunkenness