QSR1853/3/5/3-6/b

Statement of the accused - John Worton

25 April 1853

From: 1853 To: 1853

lived at No. 27 Adelaide Terrace. Some 11 or 12 weeks previous, James Knowles came to him and asked whether he would fetch some swans which were down the river. He told him no, and he was not a thief. 2 weeks ago, he asked again in the presence of Henry Hull and George Poulter. They were standing opposite Mr Walker's house opposite Chapel Street. Worton said he would have nothing to do with them. He walked with Poulter to the Black Swan and Poulter said 12 shillings was not worth getting into bother about and Worton agreed. Poulter said Knowles had said several times the price he would pay. They went on to the Elephant and then he came home and went to work. He went down to the Elephant again and saw Poulter who he asked if he had seen Knowles. He said that he thought he had gone past, and if he wanted he could see him at the Compasses but Worton said no, he had work to do. He had about 2 score of plait to saw and it would take about 3 hours to do. He occupied a loft in Barrett's yard, Barrett being his father-in-law. He had been there 4 years and it was the place Hull and helped him catch 2 pheasants which he took to the Waggon & Horse. They went from there to the Compasses and had 2 pints of beer. He paid him 18 shillings for them. Barrett came in, called for half a pint of beer, and went out again.

item

Worton, John,
Hull, Henry,
Knowles, James,
Barrett, John,
Poulter, George

stealing, swans, LUTON, Luton Compasses, Luton Waggon & Horses, Luton Elephant & Tassel, Straw Plait