QSR1843/1/5/20-21/b

Deposition and examinations - Edward Nursall and William Weston

26 October 1842

From: 1842 To: 1843

William Clough - he is a police constable stationed at Hockliffe. On Monday he received information from "Thomas" [sic] Turney that his cart had been robbed. He went to the place and found some bread hidden in a hole. He watched it until about 8pm when he saw 3 men come along the road direct to the spot. One of them came into the hole and began to handle the bread. The man called to the other two not to be afraid. They stood close to the hole. He [Clough] seized the man in the hole, who was Edward Nursall. He recognised him as soon as he saw him pass the window that morning. When he seized Nursall one of the other men, who he now knows to be William Weston, attacked him with a piece of rail. Nursall also had a piece but he dropped it. There was a struggle and he was repeatedly struck on the back and body by Nursall's hands and by Weston with the rail. He thinks the third man did not strike him but tried to get the others out of his hands. Nursall put his hand over his [Clough's] mouth to prevent him calling out. He was thrown down and Nursall knelt on him. He was a good deal hurt. They all got away. After they were gone he picked up the pieces of rail [produced]. One of them is ready cut to fit the hand and was pointed. He believes it was broken in striking him. He has no doubt of the identity of both prisoners. He was in his uniform as a police constable. Both men must have been scratched by the bushes. He bit Nursall in the hand. He can see the mark now, and Nursall is marked with scratches on his face and hands. Edward Nursall - he knows nothing about it. He was never with Weston all day. William Weston - says the same. They were never together all that day.

item

Weston, William,
Nursall, Edward,
Clough, William

HOCKLIFFE, stealing, bread, police constable, assault