QSR1871/3/5/9

Depositions and examination - James Everitt charged with attempting to steal 8s belonging to Charles Swain at Luton on 30 May 1871

12 June 1871

From: 1871 To: 1871

Catherine Swain of Luton, spinster – she is the daughter of Charles Swain who keeps the Albion Tavern, New Bedford Road, Luton. On Tuesday 30 May Everitt came to their house alone between 12 and 1pm. He sat down in front of the bar opposite the till. He had a pint of beer then left about 2pm. He returned in about 5 minutes, sat in the same place and had another pint of beer. He took up the newspaper and began to read it. She went into the sitting room which opens into the bar and left the door open. She heard him open the till. He had to reach over the counter to get at it. She saw his arm over the till and his hand on the edge of the open till. She went into the bar and said “what do you want out of that till?” He said he wanted a pint of beer and a bottle of ginger beer. She said he did not expect to find beer and ginger beer in the till – why did he not ask her for it? He said he was a silly fool and ran out up Alma Street. There was between 7 and 8s in the till after he went. She does not know what was in the till before then. [Cross-examination] She found his hand on the edge not in the till. She heard no noise of money. She does not think he took anything. She had never seen him before. She reported it to her father that evening. She had been away from the bar about 5 minutes when she heard the till open. Walter Hales of Luton, groom – he lives at 114 High Town Road Luton. On 30 May he went to the Albion at about 1.30pm. He saw Everitt there, who claimed acquaintance with him. He asked Everitt if he was the same person that had 7 years with George Woodward. He was in the house nearly an hour, leaving George Ashby and Everitt there. Everitt appeared to be sober. George Ashby, manufacturer, of 31 Dudley Street, Luton. On 30 May he went to the Albion about 1.30pm. He saw Everitt and Walter Hales there. George Bush came in. Everitt was standing outside when he left. George Bush of Luton – he is a blocker living at Rose Villa Cottages, High Town Road, Luton. On 30 May he went to the Albion Tavern. He saw Everitt and George Ashby there. They drank together. They all came out together. He and Ashby left together and Everitt went towards the Crown and Anchor. David Jaquest of Luton, police sergeant – he apprehended Everitt on 6 June and charged him with attempting to steal money from the till at the Albion Tavern. Everitt said “you’re wrong, I was not there at all. I was at work all day.” James Everitt – has nothing to say.

item

Everitt, James,
Swain, Charles,
Swain, Catherine,
Hales, Walter,
Ashby, George,
Bush, George,
Jaquest, David

LUTON, Luton New Bedford Road, Luton Alma Street, Luton High Town Road, Luton Dudley Street, groom, manufacturer, police sergeant, Luton Albion, Luton Crown & Anchor