QSR1891/2/5/3

Depositions of Walter Knapp, a pawnbroker of Edgware Road, London; Adele Maret, a lady's maid in Turvey; William Hartwell, a groom in Turvey; Charles Bailey, a carrier in Turvey and William Tatman, a police constable stationed at Turvey. in the case against William Henry Hutchinson accused of stealing two dozen knives, five pairs of boots and four shirts valued at £12 10s 0d, the property of Edward K Karslake.

28 March 1891

From: 1891 To: 1891

Walter Knapp of 34 Church Street, Edgware Road, London: said that on 5th February he received a letter. On 22nd March he received another letter. On Monday 23rd March he received the tin box produced. On the following Tuesday he opened it – it contained 4 pairs of boots, two odd boots, four shirts and twenty four silver knives – all produced at the hearing. On Thursday the 26th March he said that he handed the box and contents to police Constable Tatman. He said that he had seen the prisoner in his shop before but did not remember when. Adele Maret a Lady’s maid in service at Turvey Cottage: said that on Thursday 26th March Police Constable Tatman showed her the shirts and boots produced. She said that two of the shirts and the boots belong to Mr Karslake – the other two shirts belong to Mr Archibald Buchan. William Hartwell: said that he lives at Turvey and is groom for Mr Karslake. On 23rd March he saw the prisoner in the pantry at Turvey Cottage. He said “Hartwell will you take this parcel down to the Carrier and tell him to take it to Bedford Station and not to pay the carriage”. He took up the parcel from the drawers covered up in brown paper. The parcel was about the size of the box produced. He handed the parcel to the wife of Charles Bailey of Turvey – a Carrier and paid her three pence. When he got back he told the prisoner what he had paid and the prisoner repaid him. Charles Bailey: said that on 23rd March his wife gave him a parcel about the size of the box produced. He took it to the Midland Railway Receiving Office in Mill Street, Bedford – the Company receive goods at that office for despatch. The parcel was addressed – the address contained the name ‘Knapp’ and the word ‘Esquire’. The piece of brown paper produced was that in which the parcel he took to the Midland Railway Office was wrapped. William Tatman Police Constable stationed at Turvey: said that on Wednesday 25th March he went to Turvey Cottage. He saw Mr Karslake – he called the prisoner into his room. Mr Karslake said to him “You will be charged with stealing two dozen knives, some boots and shirts.” The prisoner said “I know I took them sir do forgive me.” Mr Karslake said “How can I forgive you. You must be punished but I wish you to be punished as quickly as the law will allow as I cannot keep you here.” The prisoner said “I took the knives from the drawer. I am very sorry sir do forgive me.” The constable said that he then charged the prisoner with the offence and took him into custody – he said in the presence of Mr Karslake “Oh dear I cannot think what made me do it I hope you will forgive me sir.” He brought the prisoner to the police station at Bedford. On the 26th he received from Mr Knapp the brown paper, tin box, 4 shirts, 2 dozen knives and 5 pairs of boots – now produced. statement of the accused: “I am very sorry”

7 pages

item

Hutchinson, William Henry,
Knapp, Walter,
Maret, Adele,
Hartwell, William,
Bailey, Charles,
Tatman, William,
Karslake, Edward K,
Buchan, Archibald

TURVEY, stealing, felony, Turvey Cottage, Midland Railway Company, Bedford Mill Street