QSR1853/4/5/26-28

Depositions of James Sergeant, yeoman of Sandy and Thomas Housden, labourer of Sandy. In the case of William Butterworth, Charles Stokes & William Ayres accused of stealing 6 bushels of potatoes.

14 October 1853

From: 1853 To: 1853

James Sergeant: on 13 October he saw the 3 prisoners walking outside his potato field. He suspected they intended no good and made his mind to watch his potatoes. About half past 11 that night they came with 2 bags ad a sack. He saw them filled the 2 bags and partly fill the sack. He took them into custody. Thomas Housden, George Daniels and his son were with him. The prisoners made no resistance. He gave them into the custody of the constable. Thomas Housden: he watched the potatoes with Mr Sergeant. He saw the prisoners take the potatoes and assisted in taking them into custody. The prisoners said they were very sorry and had done it for a piece of bread. Statement of the accused: William Butterworth – he was sorry for what had happened and ti was his fault. He had done it for a piece of bread. William Ayres – knew he had done wrong Charles Stokes – he knew he had done wrong and should not have done such a things.

item

Sergeant, James,
Housden, Thomas,
Butterworth, William,
Stokes, Charles,
Ayres, William

stealing, potatoes, yeoman, SANDY