QSR1852/3/5/18

Depositions of John Malden, baker of Biggleswade and George Morley, police constable of Biggleswade. In the case of Thomas Albone, accused of stealing 3 potatoes.

24 May 1852

From: 1852 To: 1852

George Morley: he had received information from John Malden to watch his potato pit in Chapel Field in Biggleswade. At 11 o'clock at night he hid himself near the pit and it was a little after 12 when Thomas Albone and Christopher Smith came close to where he was. He heard Smith say "I'll look out and you go and get some". Albone went to the pit and knelt down. Morley approached him when he was still on his knees with his hand in the pit. Albone said he was innocent and that he had too much beer. He took him towards the lock-up but when they got to the market place Albone refused to go further. They fell together several times and Morely was struck with his own staff. Morley went back to the pit at daylight and found 3 potatoes which had been pulled away from the pit. When Albone was taken into custody, Smith came up and asked Morley why. Smith followed them on the way to the lockup but turned and had not been seen since. John Malden: a baker of Biggleswade with a potato pit in Chapel Field. Over the previous few Saturday nights, he had noticed his pipit disturbed and potatoes missing. He requested the policeman keep watch. He checked the pit himself that evening and it was tidy. On checking next morning he found a hole and 3 or 4 potatoes by the side of it. These matched his type of potatoes.Statement of the accused: said that he went to do his business and fell in the hole.

item

Albone, Thomas,
Malden, John,
Morley, George

BIGGLESWADE, stealing, potatoes