QSR1852/2/5/11

Depositions of Joseph Fisher, gardener of Maulden, James Sinfield, chimney sweep and Edward Scott, police constable, both of Westoning. In the case of Robert Smith accused of stealing driving reins.

2 April 1852

From: 1852 To: 1852

Joseph Fisher: a market gardener of Maulden. On 31 March he was on his way to Hemel Hempstead market and stopped at the Chequers Public House in Westoning. He went in for a pint of beer, but on leaving missed his driving reins. The prisoner had been in the house when he went in and left soon after and was gone about quarter of an hour. James Sinfield: was in the Chequers public house and saw the prosecutor come in about half past 10. The following day had heard of the missing reins. On meeting the prisoner he asked him if he knew of or had stolen the reins. At first he said he knew nothing of them and then he confessed to taking them and they were in an old cottage opposite the Chequers. Sinfield told the police of this. Edward Scott: following information from Sinfield, he went to the unoccupied cottage opposite the Chequers. He found a pair of reins underneath some rubbish on the ground. He took the prisoner into custody.Robert Smith: said he did not steal or hide the reins where he told Sinfield he did.

item

Smith, Robert,
Fisher, Joseph,
Sinfield, James,
Scott, Edward

WESTONING, MAULDEN, Westoning Chequers, Hemel Hempstead, stealing, market gardener, chimney sweep