QSR1857/4/5/16-17

Depositions of Charles Bass, labourer of Maulden, George Roberts, innkeeper of Ampthill, Charles Gurney, postboy at the White Hart in Ampthill, James Bates, superintendent of police, Samuel Rolls, pawbroker of Bedford and William Hillyard, police constable of Ampthill. In the case of Joseph Evans Savage and George Litchfield accused of stealing a silver watch.

8 October 1857

From: 1857 To: 1857

Charles Bass: on the evening of 1 October he met the prisoners at a beer shop in Amphtill kept by the prisoner Savage’s brother. They had some beer together. He left about 10pm. They went together to The Old Sun in Ampthill where they had beer and spirts which he paid for. He did not know what time he or the prisoner left. He was drunk. When he had gone into the Sun he had his silver watch and steel chain. Its value was 30 shillings. He had no recollection of seeing the prisoners after he left the Sun. About 4am next morning, he found himself lying in Sandy Lane in Ampthill near the Union House. He missed his watch and about 14 shillings of silver. He went to the Sun and asked the landlord if he knew anything about his watch and told him he had been robbed. About 6am he met Savage and told him of his loss. He accompanied Savage to his shop in Ampthill where they had some gin and beer. The same morning he told Litchfield of his loss. They all went together to the Sun and told Roberts again of it. Roberts said nothing. He accompanied Savage to his shop and Litchfield was asleep there. He informed the police. On Saturday he was shown the watch by Mr Bates, and he was able to identify it. Soon after he had told Litchfield of his loss, Savage told Litchfield to “give Charley two pence to go and get a pint of beer” and they would go to the park to get some chestnuts. Savage said they would not be long and he was to wait until they returned. George Roberts: landlord of the Sun Inn at Ampthill. On the evening of 1 October the 2 prisoners and Bass came into the house together. They remained until 11.20pm. Litchfield left first. Savage and Bass left together. They had all been drinking together. Bass pulled the watch from his pocket and offered to sell it to some strangers. Both prisoners must have seen the watch. Litchfield left taking some beer with him which Bass paid for. Savage took some gin when he left, which Bass paid for. Bass and the prisoners did not appear to be tipsy. As Bass was about to leave the house he saw him put the watch in his pocket. Charles Gurney: on 2 October about 1pm he was at Marston Station. The 2 prisoners came there together and took tickets for Bedford for which they paid a shilling and had 3d each change. Litchfield asked if he would buy a watch, which was the one as now produced. When Litchfield opened the watch the works dropped to the ground and Litchfield said he had a good mind to give them a kick. Savage told him to pick it up and put it in his pocket. Savage asked why he wanted to sell it as he had some money yet. Litchfield put the watch in his pocket and they both went and sat on the platform. He saw them leave by train for Bedford. He had seen the prisoners at the station at 9am that morning wanting to go to Bedford but they had missed the train. Superintendent James Bates: on 2 October he received information of the loss. On the following morning he went to Bedford taking with him PC Hillyard. They went to the Cross Keys. Savage was standing against the door. Hillyard took him into custody and he went into the house and took Litchfield into custody. Litchfield said he knew nothing of the charge. Bates said he must search him and Litchfield said it was no use as he had pawned it. Litchfield said he had taken it when Charley was lying in the lane. Savage said it was a bad job and it was no use telling lies and they were both alike. Litchfield admitted that on the night of 1 October they had all had plenty to drink and Bass had paid for it as he had only 2d when they had gone to Savage’s beer shop that night. He left the prisoners and went to Mr Rolls, the pawnbroker and retrieved the watch. Samuel Rolls: on 2 October Litchfield offered him a watch for sale. He advanced him 10 shillings and gave him a ticket. PC William Hillyard: on 3 October he accompanied Superintendent Bates to Bedford and found both prisoners at the Cross Keys. He took Savage into custody and told him the charge. Savage said “What a fool I’ve made of myself again” but never mind as he might be sent to Australia or somewhere else. Mr Bates brought in Litchfield and told Savage what Litchfield had said. Savage said there was no use in telling lies as they were both alike. Savage said to Litchfield that he must be a fool to say what he had. Savage also said if they had got there 10 minutes later he would have joined the Bedfordshire Militia and got the money to fetch the watch out of pawn. Savage said it was his intention to return the watch and what fools his friends were in Ampthill as they knew they were suspected and they do not let them know. Litchfield, when in custody, said that he had not taken the watch but Savage had taken it and he would tell the truth about it for they had got into trouble and must get out of it. Litchfield said it had occurred because of the drink. Litchfield said the drink had not cost him anything and Bass had paid for everything. Litchfield said Savage took the watch whilst Charley lay in Sandy Lane. Statement of the accused: nothing to say.

item

Bass, Charles,
Roberts, George,
Gurney, Charles,
Bates, James,
Rolls, Samuel,
Hillyard, William

MAULDEN, AMPTHILL, BEDFORD, Ampthill White Hart, postboy, innkeeper, pawnbroker, stealing, watches, Ampthill Old Sun, Bedford Cross Keys