QSR1844/2/5/18

Depositions and examination - Joseph Mason of Felmersham, labourer charged with stealing an axe from William Barley

26 March 1844

From: 1844 To: 1844

William Barley of Odell, labourer – one Saturday in January 1843 he left a hatchet or axe under an ash stump in Odell Great Wood. The following Tuesday it was gone. Joseph Mason of Felmersham was working on Tuesday near the place where he left it. He asked Mason if he had seen the axe but he denied it. The handle of the axe was a long two-handed one. About a fortnight later part of the handle was brought to him by William Cooper of Odell. He knows the handle well. From information he got he applied for a search warrant which he gave to PC Danes. Danes later brought the hatchet to him and he identified the head as the one he had lost. He knows it well from the shape, from the name on it, and from its being broken in the front and at both points and afterwards ground. It is worth 2s. James Danes, police constable – on 8 march he received a search warrant to search the premises of Joseph Mason of Felmersham for the axe. Mason’s wife gave him the hatchet now produced. Mason said he found it in Odell Wood where he was at work, and that he had cut the handle because it was no use to him. He took it to Barley who identified it as his. He did not apprehend Mason then as Mason was unwell and in the Medical Club. He apprehended him this morning. Joseph Mason of Felmersham, labourer – he found the axe when he was at work.

item

Mason, Joseph,
Barley, William,
Cooper, William,
Danes, James

ODELL, FELMERSHAM, stealing, tools, Odell Great Wood, illness