QSR1879/2/5/3-7/a

Depositions and examinations - William Rolls, Thomas Baines, Frederick Smith and William Durrant, charged with stealing 3 flannel waistcoats or Guernsey jackets value 7s 6d from William Spendlove at Leighton Buzzard on 7 December 1878

31 January 1879

From: 1878 To: 1879

William Spendlove of Leighton Buzzard, draper – he has a shop in the High Street. On 7 December 1878 he had seven flannel waistcoats hanging outside his shop door. On the following Thursday he missed them when a customer came enquiring for some. The goods are brought in every evening generally before dark, but on Saturday evenings they are left out later. He did not bring the goods in himself on the 7th or the four following nights. The waistcoats produced are the same kind as those he lost. His were new but the ones produced have been worn – he believes them to be his property. The seven lost would be worth £1. There were two types of waistcoat, and there are samples of each sort in those produced. Isaac Cook, police constable stationed at Heath and Reach – from what he heard he went to James Kempster, a labourer living at Heath and Reach, and asked if he had bought a Guernsey jacket lately. Kempster gave up the jacket produced to him. He then came to Leighton police station where the four prisoners were then in custody on other charges. William Rolls was shown the jacket and asked by Supt Shepherd if he knew anything of it. He replied that he took two from Spendlove. He said Fred Smith had the other and sold it to his brother William, and he took the other one home. He went to William Smith and asked him for the Guernsey. Smith went upstairs and brought the jacket produced. He then returned to the police station. Fred Smith said he wished to make a statement. Fred Smith said “Three Guernseys were stolen from Spendlove’s by the prisoner Rolls. Durrant was outside with Rolls and Baines was a little higher up. When we got to Stone’s shop we stole another. I had one and I think Rolls took the other home”. All the prisoners were then present but made no remark. They could hear what was said. James Kempster of Heath and Reach, labourer – on 10 December John Rolls the prisoner’s father came to him, said he had no work, and asked him to buy a Guernsey jacket. He agreed and gave him half a crown for it. Rolls was wearing the jacket when he bought it. He later gave it to PC Cook. William Rolls – “I have nothing to say” Thomas Baines – “I took a Guernsey from Spendlove’s” Frederick Smith – “I have nothing to say”. William Durrant – “I have nothing to say”.

item

Rolls, William,
Baines, Thomas,
Durrant, William,
Smith, Frederick,
Spendlove, William,
Cook, Isaac,
Kempster, James,
Rolls, John

LEIGHTON BUZZARD, HEATH & REACH, Leighton Buzzard High Street, stealing, clothing, waistcoat, draper, police constable