QSR1843/4/5/26

Depositions and examination – George Boddington

9 October 1843

From: 1843 To: 1843

Thomas Elliott of Swineshead (Hunts), labourer – about 8pm yesterday (8 October) he was going home to Swineshead from Dean with George Boddington. In one of Dr Verity’s fields he fell down. George Boddington fell upon him, put his hand into his right hand breeches pocket and drew out a red purse containing 13s 6d and made off with it. He then went to the policeman’s house for his assistance. They went to Swineshead in search of Boddington and found him upstairs in his own house. He helped to hold Boddington while the handcuffs were put on him as he was very awkward. The policeman searched him and found 2 half crowns, a five shilling bit and 2 shillings. The 5 shilling bit he can swear to by a mark. Yesterday afternoon Boddington borrowed 6d from him at Mr Corbett’s public house. When he went into the public house he had 15s. He spent a shilling and lent Boddington 6d. Boddington said he had not got a farthing. Thomas Henry Cullen, policeman – about 8pm Thomas Elliott told him Boddington had picked his pocket and taken a purse containing a 5 shilling piece and 2 or 3 half crowns. He went with Elliott to Boddington’s house. He seached him and found the money in his possession. Boddington said he was obliged to borrow a shilling to get some provisions with for the day and that how he should do tomorrow he did not know as he did not have a shilling in the house. His wife confirmed this. He went to search the upper part of the house and Boddington resisted. Boddington went upstairs, rushed to the bedside and he saw him put something into his pocket. Boddington acted with great violence and he had to send for the parish constable. When the parish constable came he searched Boddington and found on him a 5s piece, 2 half crowns and 2 shillings. Elliott identified the 5s piece by a mark on the rim. George Boddington – he is not guilty. Yesterday evening old Mr Corbet wished him to lead Thomas Elliott home. He said he would not. Elliott got up and came along with him. He led Elliott away and went up the fields. Elliott fell down while he was shutting a gate. He picked Elliott up again. He thinks he fell down 20 times more. The last time he picked Elliott up he said he would not go along with him. Elliott staggered for 5 or 6 yards and then he left him.

item

Boddington, George,
Elliott, Thomas,
Cullen, Thomas Henry,
Corbet

DEAN, SWINESHEAD, pickpocket, police constable, parish constables