QSR1887/4/5/6

Depositions of John Northwood, foreman of Bedford, William Roff the younger, confectioner of Bedford and Frederick Smith, superintendent of police of Biggleswade. In the case of John Edwards accused of stealing a silver watch.

24 August 1887

From: 1887 To: 1887

John Northwood: on 23 August he was at Southill Park fete about 7pm. He was in the park and a watch in his pocket. He felt something touch the watch and he put his hand there and the ring of the watch dropped in his hand. The prisoner was close to him and he turned and grabbed hold of him. The prisoner attempted to run away and he ran after him and collared him. He said to the prisoner “you stole my watch”. The prisoner replied “the man has gone into the crowd or else you are mistaken”. He called for the police and gave him into custody. The watch was worth £3. William Roff: on 23 August he was at Southill fete when he heard a call out and saw the prosecutor attempting to seize another man. He heard a noise as if something fell on the ground and when he looked he found a watch on the ground close to the feet of the prisoner. He picked it up and called out ‘police’. He handed the watch to Superintendent Smith. Frederick Smith: superintendent of police at Biggleswade. On 23 August he was at the fete held at Southill Park. The watch was handed to him by the witness Roff. He saw the prisoner a few yards off, being held by the prosecutor. The prisoner was taken into custody. The prisoner said “I am as innocent as you and perhaps more so”. Statement of the accused: nothing to say.

item

Edwards, John,
Northwood, John,
Roff, William,
Smith, Frederick

BIGGLESWADE, BEDFORD, Southill Park, foreman, confectioner, stealing, watches, pickpocket