QSR1842/1/5/43

Depositions against Edward Lee charged with assaulting Richard Fleckney in the execution of his duty as constable of the parish of Houghton Regis

20 December 1841

From: 1841 To: 1842

Richard Fleckney of Houghton Regis, parish constable - on the evening of 30 September (Houghton Regis Statute) he was sent for by William Duncomb the landlord of the Cock public house to stop a fight. He found John Brazier and William Room fighting in the parlour. There as a great noise and confusion. He ordered Brazier and room to stop fighting. Brazier did so but Room would not. He laid hold of Room by the collar and while he held Room Edward Lee struck at him over Room's shoulder and gave him a violent blow on the head. At the same time he received another blow from George Nicholls. He had his staff in his hand for protection. Lee wrenched it from him and struck him a very severe blow with it on his head. He called out for assistance. When one of the party said he would assist him several of them began beating and kicking him. In the riot and scuffle that ensued the window of the room was broken. Lee appeared to be the leader of the party. He got out of the house as soon as he could to obtain assistance. He found Mr Tutte the policeman who came with him and assisted in clearing the house. Mr Tutte took two of the persons who had assaulted him into custody and Edward Lee escaped. William Duncomb of Houghton Regis, publican and bricklayer - confirms evidence of Richard Fleckney is true. He saw Edward Lee strike Richard Fleckney a violent blow on the head with the staff and the blood flowed very fast from the wound.

item

Lee, Edward,
Fleckney, Richard,
Duncomb, William,
Brazier, John,
Room, William,
Nicholls, George,
Tutte, John

HOUGHTON REGIS, assault, parish constables, fairs and markets, Houghton Regis Cock, publican, bricklayer