QSR1889/2/5/3c

Depositions of Richard Byers of the Wheelwrights Arms of Luton, William Kirby of Luton and William Chamberlain of Luton. In the case of Edward Kempson, being the bailee of a watch did take and convert the same to his own use.

2 March 1889

From: 1889 To: 1889

Richard Byers: publican landlord of the Wheelwright Arms, Luton. On 18 February he was at his bar about 10am when conversation turned to watches. He said he had 2 he would like to sell. The prisoner said if he would let him have one for a few minutes he could sell it and earn a few shillings. He gave Kempson a little silver watch to sell for 12 shillings. The next day Kempson asked Byers if he was surprised he had not returned the watch. Byers said he was and Kempson said the young man would like a bigger one, so Byers gave Kempson the larger watch and said he might sell it for 10 shillings. The next day Kempson said the young man had not been at home and he had to see him again. Kempson refused to say who the young man was. On Friday Kempson said he would give Byers the money that day. Byers did not see him again until 25 February when he returned the smaller watch and promised to return the larger one by 12 noon. Kempson returned about 1pm and said the young man who had the watch was called Kirby of Cumberland Street and that he had gone to Wheathamstead. Byers saw the watch again when present to him by detective Chamberlain. William Kirby: a second hand furniture dealer of Burr Street, Luton. On 20 February the prisoner came to him and asked him to buy a watch. The watch was broken and Kempson asked 5 shillings for it. Kirby bought it for 4s 6d and pair 2s for its repair. Detective William Chamberlain: he apprehended the prisoner on 28 February. In reply to the charge, the prisoner said “I hope you won’t bring any more against me than you can help” and asked to go to Byers to settle the matter. Statement of the accused: he was out of work and didn’t want his friends to know.

7 pages

item

Kempson, Edward,
Chamberlain, William,
Byers, Richard,
Kirby, William

LUTON, pawnbroking, pawnbroker, watches, publican, Luton Wheelwright Arms, furniture dealer