QSR1842/4/5/15

Depositions and examination - Thomas Gobby

1 August 1842

From: 1842 To: 1842

Joseph Medcraft of Chalton - on 30 June he used a scythe which was his own property and then hung the scythe up in a hovel on his father's premises. A handle, a whetstone and a whetstone case were all attached to it. On 1st July the scythe was missing. He did not make much enquiry but asked some persons to let him know if they heard of one offered for sale. He received information on Saturday 30 July and went to James Scrivener of Chalton who produced the scythe blade now produced, which is the one he lost. He knows it from a mark on the back he made with a file and from the point having been broken off which he arfterwards ground up himself. James Scrivener of Chalton, labourer - on Saturday 30th July about 5pm he was at the Star public house at Chalton. Thomas Gobby, Goerge Haley and some others were present. Having been informed that Haley had a scythe to sell he asked if he would sell it to him. Haley said he had offered it to someone else, but if that person did not have it then he could. Gobby then said he could find one. About an hour later he bought a scythe from Haley at his house. While he was there Gobby brought the scythe blade from his own house (next door to Haley's) and offered it to him for 2s 6d. He purchased it from Gobby for 2s and a pint of beer. The scythe he bought from Haley had a handle and everything complete. Samuel Hornal, police constable no.39 - from information received from Joseph Medcraft he apprehended Thomas Gobby yesterday morning. Gobby has been in his custody ever since. Thomas Gobby - he bought the scythe and gave half a crown for it. He bought it at Coney up the Hay Country. He has nothing else to say.

item

Medcraft, Joseph,
Gobby, Thomas,
Haley, George,
Scrivener, James,
Hornal, Samuel

Chalton, stealing, agricultural implements, Chalton Star