QSR1890/4/5/3

Depositions of George Smith, Inspector of Police of Woburn and Emma Stonhill, innkeeper of Woburn. In the case of James Fossey accused of stealing 4 shillings and sixpence.

12 September 1890

From: 1890 To: 1890

Emma Stonhill: a widow and occupier of the Birchmore Arms at Woburn. On 8 September the defendant came to the house at 3pm with Edward Cook and asked for beer. She refused to draw it and told them to go to work as they had had quite enough. They refused to go and kept asking for beer and she gave them a pint but refused to draw them another. She went into the bar and put the two pence they had given her into the till. She then noticed that there was 11 to 12 shillings in the drawer. She then went upstairs and left them in the bar alone. Whilst upstairs she heard her bar door rattle. She went down as quick as possible and saw Fossey just sitting down again in his seat. She said to him “Fossey you have been in my bar”. He said he had not. She asked Cook if Fossey had left the house since she had been out. Cook said he had but did not know where he had been. She went to the till and saw that half a crown and a 2 shilling piece had gone. She told Fossey and accused him of taking them and told him that if he did not give them back she should send for the police. After a time he handed her the coins which he took from is pocket. He left the house and she sent for the police. She had noticed the half crown and florin among the silver in the drawer before she had gone upstairs. George Smith: Inspector of Police for the Woburn division. On 9 September the defendant was delivered into his custody and he charged him with stealing the money. The prisoner said he did not steal it. On 8 September he saw the defendant at 12.30 midday and asked him for 3 shillings for a purpose. The prisoner said he did not have any money. Edward Cook had told him that Fossey had his money and asked him to ask for it. Fossey said he had given it to Cook’s mother. Statement of the accused: he was not guilty and he did not take it.

item

Fossey, James,
Smith, George,
Stonhill, Emma

WOBURN, innkeeper, stealing, money, Woburn Birchmoor Arms