QSR1876/1/5/1

Depositions and examination - George Panter of Leighton Buzzard, master sweep, charged with receiving 1/2 peck of oats value 6d from William Windmill at Leighton Buzzard on 8 October 1875 knowing them to have been stolen from John Algernon Sear

26 October 1875

From: 1875 To: 1876

John Algernon Sear of Leighton Buzzard, grocer – he occupies stables and hovels in Water Lane, Leighton, some way from his house and shop. On 8 October he had a boy, William Windmill, in his employ who looked after the horses and pigs. Windmill had been in his employ about 10 months. He keeps corn in the stable at Water Lane. It is always kept locked and the key should be at his shop. He knows George Panter, who lives exactly opposite his stable. Panter keeps 2 ponies and pigs. He has missed corn on several occasions. He missed some oats about 3 weeks ago. William Windmill of Leighton Buzzard, labourer – he was dismissed by Mr Sear a week ago. He was a porter and stable boy. About 3 months ago Panter came into his master’s stable and asked if he would give him a little corn. He gave Panter half a peck of oats which he took to his house in a box. Panter gave him 6d. Three weeks later Panter asked him for the same again – he gave him the same quantity. Panter promised to give him something but never did. Last Friday fortnight 8 October he returned from Stewkley in the evening. He got home about 9pm. He had seen prisoner in the morning at his house and at the stables. Panter asked him to get some corn for him. He said he would that night. When he had locked the horses up he took half a peck of oats to Panter’s house in a bag. He gave them to Panter, who never paid him anything for them. William Warnes of Leighton Buzzard, printer – he lives about 100 yards from Panter’s house. On 8 October about 8pm he was going home and passed Panter’s house. He saw some one going from Mr Sear’s stables towards the house with a sack or bag on his shoulder with something in it. He knows Windmill and it was something like him. It was dark at the time. He did not see where the bag was taken to. George Panter – he does not wish to say anything. He has only kept one pig for the past two months. One of his horses is a young colt. He always keeps the other one in.

item

Panter, George,
Windmill, William,
Sear, John Algernon,
Warnes, William

LEIGHTON BUZZARD, Leighton Buzzard Water Lane, receiving stolen goods, oats, chimney sweep, grocer, printer, horses, pigs