QSR1844/4/5/17

Depositions and examination - William Adams

30 September 1844

From: 1844 To: 1844

Sarah Squire, wife of Charles Squire of Luton, butcher – last Saturday Adams, who had been a servant to her husband for about a week, got drunk and abused her very much. When her husband came home she told him and he discharged Adams. Adams went up in to the loft to get some clothes he had left there. There was a great deal of meat there. She went up to see that he did not leave the door open. As she got to the door she saw him take something from the counter and put it into his basket. She accused him of having taken something belonging to her and he denied it. She sent for Supt Ashton who took him into custody. William Ashton of Luton, police superintendent – on Saturday between 6 and 6 he was on duty on the Market Hill at Luton. He was told he was wanted up Mr Squire’s yard. He went up into the loft and found Mrs Squires standing at the door and Adams inside. She told him Adams had some of her husband’s property and wanted him to search him. He searched part of Adams’ person but he would not allow him to search the other side. He took Adams into custody. Adams was very obstinate and he threw him down. From Adams trousers pocket he took the piece of pork now produced. On Sunday morning Adams acknowledged to him that he stole the pork and that he was to sell it or give it away to a man called Tom Bottoms and was to receive beer for it. Bottoms was to find the beer and Adams the pork. William Adams – he was very drunk and would not have done it if he had not been. He never did such a thing before.

item

Adams, William,
Squire, Sarah,
Squire, Charles,
Ashton, William

LUTON, Luton Market Hill, stealing, pork, butcher, police constable