QSR1888/3/5/4

Depositions of Henry Sandall, clerk of Holy Orders of Biggleswade and Frederick Smith, superintendent of police of Biggleswade. Additional evidence from David Tote, leader and conductor of the Dunton Drum & Fife band. In the case of Richard Prosser accused of obtaining the sum of 10 shillings by false pretences.

13 May 1888

From: 1888 To: 1888

Henry Sandall: vicar of Dunton. He knew the prisoner. In 1885 there was a Drum and Fife band at Dunton. The prisoner came to him and said he wished to get a drum for the band and asked for his help. Prosser produced a subscription list which Sandall headed with his name and put down 10 shillings as his subscription. He did not give Prosser the money then. Prosser later came to him with the subscription list containing several names and amounts. He said he was going next day by train to London for the purpose of purchasing a drum and instruments for the band. Upon that representation he handed Prosser 10 shillings and had not seen him since. On 6 June 1885 when he laid information against him, he found Prosser had absconded. Frederick Smith: superintendent of police at Biggleswade. On 19 May 1888 he took the prisoner into custody at Sharnbrook on a warrant for obtaining 10 shilling in or about 1 May 1885, by false pretences. Prosser replied he thought that his wife and mother had been to Mr Sandall and the matter was not going any further. Statement of the accused: nothing to say. Additional evidence served on the prisoner – David Tote: leader and conductor of the Dunton Drum & Fife band. He had been connected with the band since formation. The prisoner Prosser was a teacher of the band in 1884/5. Until a month ago he had not seen Prosser since Whit Tuesday in 1885. The band never received any drums from him nor did he pay any money into the funds of the band.

6 pages

item

Prosser, Richard,
Sandall, Henry,
Smith, Frederick,
Tote, David

BIGGLESWADE, false pretences, Clerk in Holy Orders, DUNTON, drums, bands, conductors