QSR1874/3/5/6

Depositions and examination - Charles Camm, charged wtih violently assaulting and attempting to ravish and carnally know Mary Swailes at Kempston on 24 June 1874

27 June 1874

From: 1874 To: 1874

Mary Swailes, wife of Charles Swailes of Kempston, railway labourer – last Monday afternoon 22 June Camm came to her house for lodgings. He took lodgings with her on Monday night. On 24th he came home between one and two and asked for some tea. She got him some. While she was getting it he went out. She went out to Mr Goodman’s and told him the tea was ready. Camm came in and sat down in a chair near the cupboard. She had occasion to go near the cupboard. [Description of assault] She called out for Mrs Smart. Mr Smart came in the kitchen door. He lives next door. She complained to Mr Smart. Camm said it was only a joke. She had a violent struggle with him. He did not give it up until Mr Smart came in. Joseph Smart of Kempston, labourer – he was at home at about 1.45pm on 24th. He heard Mrs Swaile call “Smart” 3 or 4times. He went to her back door, which was open. He knocked and Mrs Swailes answered “come in” or “come here”. Mrs Swaile was sitting on the hearth rug. He asked her what was the matter. She said “this man has been pulling me about”. Camm said “oh only a lark”. The man was standing at the end of the table a yard or a yard and a half from her. They both looked red in the face. Robert King Stearne of Kempston, police constable – he went to the Midland Railway in search of the prisoner on 25th June. He was in uniform. He saw Camm going across the field to the Ampthill Road. He went after Camm with a clerk of the Midland Company. When they reached Camm the clerk spoke first and asked Camm why he had left his work. Camm said Mr Foster had paid him off. The clerk said “I don’t believe it I’ll go and see”. Charles Swailes came up, pointed to Camm and said “this man attempted to commit a rape on my wife yesterday”. He charged Camm and took him into custody. Camm said “I was in drink and don’t recollect anything about it”. This morning Camm said he knew nothing about it until his mates told him at about 5am - he thought they were joking him or else he might have been in London and gone on board ship. Mary Swailes [recalled] – Camm did not come home to sleep on the 24th. He had not given notice that he would not come back. When he asked for the tea he was not intoxicated.

item

Swailes, Mary,
Camm, Charles,
Swailes, Charles,
Smart, Joseph,
Stearne, Robert King

KEMPSTON, assault, sex crimes, railway worker, police constable, Midland Railway Company