QSR1870/4/5/12

Depositions and examination - James Sear of Leighton Buzzard, labourer, charged with stealing one pottle of potatoes value 4d from John Chubb

27 September 1870

From: 1870 To: 1870

Catherine Horwood of Leighton Buzzard, widow - she lives with her father John Chubb. Sear lives at Heath and Reach. He was employed by her father on 15 September and had been employed by him for some weeks. She noticed that when going home his basket seemed very heavy at times. She suspected him and on 15 September asked him help to take some potatoes out of a copper. When he was leaving in the evening she felt his basket. He had potatoes there, more than a pottle. The potatoes produced are the same sort they have at home. Sear was digging her father's potatoes 1/4 mile from their house. Sear had left his work when she stopped him with the basket and potateos. She showed the potatoes to her father and gave them to Superintendent Clough. John Chubb of Leighton Buzzard, boot and shoemaker - on 15 September Sear was digging potatoes for him and he suspected him of taking them. He asked Sear what he was up to. Sear said "nothing". He asked about the potatoes in his basket. Sear said he was going to bring them to show him. The potatoes produced are the same as those Sear had been digging. He swears he never told Sear to bring any potatoes to show him or anyone else. James Sear - he has nothing to say. He did not steal them.

item

Sear, James,
Horwood, Catherine,
Chubb, John

LEIGHTON BUZZARD, stealing, potatoes, shoemaker