QSR1892/4/5/6

Depositions of Frederick Grace, Butcher in Leighton Buzzard; Arthur Tuckey, Milk Vender from Leighton Buzzard and Charles Plowman, Police Constable at Leighton Buzzard. In the case against William Smith, a Pedlar from Manchester accused of stealing a piece of meat to the value of three shillings, the property of Richard Grace.

13 September 1892

From: 1892 To: 1892

Frederick Grace said: On the 10th September I was in charge of my father’s shop. The piece of meat produced part of a loin of mutton was on the board in front of the shop or on the block I am not quite sure which. I saw it safe about 7.50pm. About 8 I observed that it was gone. Between that time I had gone into the house leaving the shop for about 5 minutes. If the meat was on the board it could be reached from the window. The value of the meat is [3 shillings 10 pence] 3/10 weight 5lbs 10ozs. I never saw the Defendant. Arthur Tuckey said: I am a Milk Vendor and live at Leighton Buzzard. On the 10th September about a quarter to 8pm I saw the Defendant in Hockliffe Street going in the direction of Grace’s shop – he had boot laces in his hands. Charles Plowman said: I am a Police Constable stationed at Leighton Buzzard. On the 10th September I received information of the loss of this mutton. While making my enquiries the Defendant came by. He had something bulky under his coat, we followed him and searched him. He had upon him the piece of mutton produced. This was soon after 10 I charged him with stealing it. He became very violent shouting kicking and throwing himself down and we had great difficulty in apprehending him and getting him to the station. He is a stranger, he had a Pedlar’s Certificate in the name of William Smith. He had a few pence on him and he was not sober. statement of the accused: I have nothing to say. I met a man a stranger on the bridge and purchased the meat of him. I gave him [one shilling and tenpence] 1/10 for it . This was about 10.

item

Grace, Frederick,
Tuckey, Arthur,
Plowman, Charles,
Smith, William

LEIGHTON BUZZARD, felony, stealing, butcher, pedlar, Leighton Buzzard Hockliffe Street