QSR1846/4/5/23

Depositions and examination - William Asplin

23 September 1846

From: 1846 To: 1846

John Hemmings Smith, son of Sarah Smith of Eaton Socon – he lives with his mother at Eaton Socon. Yesterday about 12pm Asplin met him in a field at Eaton Socon. [Description of assault] William Nicol of Eaton Socon, one of the Beds Rural Police – yesterday afternoon from information he received he apprehended Asplin at Eaton Socon about 3pm. He mentioned the charge against him. Asplin said “I’m sure I didn’t”. He asked if Asplin saw the boy in the morning. Asplin said he did. Later Asplin said “it’s no use telling a lie about it. I did do it. I don’t know what made me do it. I wish I had been dead before I had done it”. This morning Asplin said “what do you think they’ll do with me. I hope they won’t send me long to prison. I’m sorry for it. I don’t know what I must have been about”. He said it voluntarily. William Asplin of Eaton Socon, labourer – “I’m very sorry I done it. I hope you’ll forgive me this time”.

item

Asplin, William,
Smith, John Hemmings,
Smith, Sarah,
Nicol, William

EATON SOCON, sex crimes, police constable