QSR1885/2/5/9

Depositions of George Power, beerhouse keeper of Potton, Henry Merry, labourer of Potton and John Brown, labourer of Potton. In the case of Alfred Norman accused of obtaining 5 quarts of beer and 4 cigars by false pretences.

27 February 1885

From: 1885 To: 1885

George Power: a beerhouse keeper of Deepdale, Potton. On 27 February about 7pm, Alfred Norman, David Brown, Charles Lincoln, George Meinns and Parker Shearman came to his taproom. The prisoner asked for a quart of beer on trust. He refused saying he did not give them any trust. Brown then ordered a quart of beer and paid for it. Norman then ordered 2 quarts of beer and paid for it. Norman said he had 2 shillings to spend and when they got it in they would pay him. Upon this statement he served them with 5 quarts of beer and 4 cigars. The prisoner called for another quart and he refused him until he paid the 2 shillings. The prisoner said he was going out and would pay on his return. He told the prisoner to pay before he left but he refused and went out laughing. Henry Merry: on 27 February about 7.45pm he went to the beerhouse kept by Mr Power. He saw the prisoner, David Brown, Charles Lincoln, George Meinns and Parker Shearman in the taproom. He heard Norman order several quarts of beer and some cigars and he heard him tell the landlord he would pay for them before he went out of the house. He afterwards heard the landlord ask for the money and Norman refused to pay and left the house. John Brown: on the evening of 27 February he saw Norman in the beerhouse with 4 others. He saw them have some beer and pay for it. The prisoner called for some more and paid for it. He called several times for more quarts and said he had 2 shillings and would pay for it. The landlord told the prisoner when he had beer that came to 2 shillings and asked him for the money. Alfred Norman was going out of the door at the time and answered that he would pay when he came back. He did not see Norman laugh. Norman left and he did not see him again until the next day. He remained in the house for about an hour after Norman had left. He had been asked to appear by Sergeant Vincent and refused. He was then summoned. Statement of the accused: nothing to say.

7 pages

item

Norman, Alfred,
Power, George,
Merry, Henry,
Brown, John

POTTON, false pretences, beer, beerhouse keeper