QSR1853/3/5/23-24/a

Depositions of John Puddephatt, victualler of Luton, Norman Snoxall, police constable of Luton, Thomas Brooker, police constable fo Luton and William Plenderleath, police constable of Luton. In the case of Charles Squires & Robert Ward accused of stealing an iron bridle bit and other articles.

6 June 1853

From: 1853 To: 1853

Norman Snoxall: on 1 June he received directions from Superintendent Godfrey to watch the Blacksmith's shop belonging to John Puddephatt at Luton. He arrived there about 20 minutes to 6 o'clock, and Charles Squires came to work about 6 o'clock. Between 7 and 8 o'clock, Robert Ward came to the shop and asked Squires if he had a bridle bit. Squires went to the water trough and took out 3 or 4. Ward looked at them and selected one. He put the bit inside his waistcoat. He told Squires he would see him at breakfast time and make it right with him. About 11 o'clock he saw squires finish off 2 line pins and put them in his coat pocket. About 5 'clock Squires went to the corner of the shop, taken an iron rod and cut off 2 pieces. He worked the pieces into a balling, such as used by a veterinary surgeon, and he put it in his pocket. About 6 o'clock Squires went to a drawer and took out 2 dozen horse nails which he put in his coat pocket. A short time afterwards Squire went to the corner of the shop and took a steel strap and put that in his coat pocket. About 7 o'clock he left work and put on his coat. Snoxall followed him and in the street told Puddephatt of what had happened. Snoxall overtook the prisoner at Market Hill and took him back to Mr Puddephatt. Squires said he had nothing in his pocket but all the articles seen put into the pocket by Snoxall were found in there. Snoxall later searched Squires house in the company of Constable Brooker and many other articles were found. Thomas Brooker: on 1 June he went to Squires house in the company of Snoxall. In the cellar, he found new horse shoes ad several pieces of iron rods. In the back room he found a piece of chain. The prisoner said this items were all his own. The articles were shown to Mr Puddephatt who believed them to be his property. John Puddephatt: had a Blacksmith's shop in Luton. Charles Squires worked for him but in consequence of losing a number of articles he asked the police to watch the shop. Snoxall came for that purpose. About 7 o'clock that evening he saw Snoxall who told him the prisoner had taken some things from the shop. Snoxall went after Squires and brought him back. Snoxall searched him a number of items were produced and the prisoner said that he knew them to be Puddephatt’s. He also saw and identified the horseshoes. He had missed 7 the previous Monday. The prisoner asked that he be merciful with him. William Plenderheath: on 1 June he went to the prisoner Ward's house in the company of Superintendent Godfrey. Godfrey asked the prisoner if he had received a bit from Charles Squires . Ward made no answer at first but then said yes. He went with the prisoner to the stable and saw the bit on a bridle. The prisoner took the bit off the bridle and gave it into his possession.

item

Squires, Charles,
Ward, Robert,
Snoxall, Norman,
Brooker, Thomas,
Plenderleath, William,
Godfrey, Edward,
Puddephatt, John

stealing, LUTON, bridle, blacksmith, victualler