QSR1864/1/5/14a

Depositions of Mary Ann Webb, eating house keeper of 16 Chapel Street, Luton. Charles Caton, labourer of Luton. Frederick Smith, policeman of Luton. In the case of Thomas James Smith accused of stealing 21 pound weight of plum pudding.

2 November 1863

From: 1863 To: 1864

Mary Ann Webb: on Monday 19 October at about 4pm, a plum pudding was safe in the window. She missed it between 8pm and 9pm. She informed the police. Charles Caton: he was 10 years old and knew the prisoner. He had been with the prisoner on the night of 19 October when the prisoner had taken the pudding. The prisoner had set his shoes on the grating outside the door and went into Mrs Webb’s shop. He was outside when Smith came out with a piece of plum pudding. They went into the passage a little way up from Mrs Webb’s and Smith put on his shoes and gave Costin and Caton a piece. They went down London Road. PC Frederick Smith: he took the prisoner into custody on 23 October. On being told the charge, the prisoner made no reply. The prisoner’s father was present and told him not to. Statement of the accused: not guilty.

item

Smith, Thomas James,
Webb, Mary Ann,
Caton, Charles,
Costin, William,
Smith, Frederick

LUTON, Luton Chapel Street, stealing, keeper, puddings