QSR1852/2/5/1

Depositions of Thomas Holland, labourer of Tilsworth, John Thompson, labourer of Tilsworth, William Clough, police sergeant of Hockcliffe and William Paradine of Ivinghoe. In the case of Joseph Tompkins (alias Howe) accused of stealing 16 tame rabbits

12 March 1852

From: 1852 To: 1852

Thomas Holland: a labourer of Tilsworth. He had 16 tame rabbits in a barn adjoining his premises. He locked in the barn but soon after heard a noise and went out and heard the sound of a lame man running away. The padlock was not as he'd left it but the rabbits were still safe. The next morning between 7 an 8 o'clock he went to the barn and found the door find open, the lock gone and the rabbits stolen. An axe was lying on one of the hutches. It had not been there when the barn was locked. He knew the prisoner well and had seen such an axe in his possession the previous Michaelmas. The axe had once been his and he had not given it to the prisoner. John Thompson: about 6 weeks previous he had seen the prisoner and 3 other men in the field of Mr Olney. He believed the prisoner had the axe with him, and it was in use among the party. The axe is remarkable for its small size. William Clough: he went to Ivinghoe to apprehend the prisoner on 21 February. He went to a beer shop and searched the place, but could not find him. He later went again and found him concealed against the water butt in the yard of the beer shop. 2 men were standing in front of him to hide him. He was taken into custody by Clough, and as he was being taken away, he was called to by his nickname and told to "keep it dark". The prisoner said he had slept in a haystack near Ivinghoe on the night in question. He identified the axe as used by him and other men when out briering. William Paradine: on 21 February about 6 o’clock in the morning, the prisoner came to his house. He seemed cold like he had not slept in his bed that night. The prisoner said he had slept with the cows and was perished.Statement of the accused: he had nothing to say except it was the axe they had for briering.

item

Tompkins, Joseph,
Holland, Thomas,
Thompson, John,
Clough, William,
Paradine, William

TILSWORTH, Ivinghoe, stealing, rabbits