QSR1836/3/5/11

Depositions and examination - John Sinfield

28 April 1836

From: 1836 To: 1836

Joseph Bateman of Husborne Crawley – he works for the Duke of Bedford. This morning he was at work in the Duke’s park in the Evergreens in Woburn Parish. He brought his victuals with him – bread and meat, which he hid in his basket which I put on the bank by the side of the Riding not far from where he was working. At about 8.45am he was informed by William Gurney who was working with him that his victuals had been taken away. He had seen John Sinfield about in the morning and suspected him. He went after Sinfield who was eating bread when he caught him. He asked Sinfield what he had done with his handkerchief. Sinfield said he had put it in the trees. They went to the place and Sinfield looked behind a tree, pulled some firs back off the handkerchief and gave it to him. It was his handkerchief. The took Sinfield to Mr Crocker, the Duke’s agent, who told them to go to the magistrate’s clerk about it. He took a bag from Sinfield and gave it to Gurney. William Gurney of Husborne Crawley, labourer – he was at work for the Duke of Bedford with Bateman. He brought bread and meat with him in a bag which he put in Joseph Bateman’s basket. When he went for his basket the victuals were gone. He had seen Sinfield about and suspected him. When Sinfield was found he asked how he came to take their victuals. He saw his bag (now produced)in Bateman’s hands near Mr Crocker’s. George White of Aspley Guise – he was at work that morning for the Duke of Bedford with Bateman and Gurney. Gurney said their victuals were gone and Bateman said he saw Sinfield go along the road. He went after Sinfield, who came out from amongst the trees. Sinfield went into the trees again and he followed him and caught him. Sinfield was eating bread and meat and had a bag in his hand. He asked Sinfield what business he had amongst the trees and he gave no answer. He asked whose bag it was and Sinfield said he brought it from home. Bateman was with him and they said they were sure Sinfield took the victuals, which he admitted. Sinfield told them where the handkerchief was. John Sinfield – he has nothing to say for himself. He was hungry and had no victuals all day yesterday. He found the basket and took some victuals out. He began to eat them and hid the handkerchief.

item

Sinfield, John,
Bateman, Joseph,
Gurney, William,
Russell, John (6th Duke of Bedford),
White, George

HUSBORNE CRAWLEY, WOBURN, ASPLEY GUISE, stealing, , bread, meat, handkerchiefs, POVERTY