QSR1865/4/5/1-2

Depositions of Robert Gudgeon, apprentice of Luton. George William Strange, draper of Luton. James Haynes, police constable of Luton. In the case of James Everitt and George Woodward accused of stealing a coat, the value of 16 shillings.

21 July 1865

From: 1865 To: 1865

Robert Gudgeon: he was apprentice to George William Strange of Wellington Street, Luton. On 25 July he hung 6 coats outside the shop. The coats had been bought by his master some time in May. About 7pm, from what PC Haynes told him, he missed one of the coats. About 4.30pm he had seen the prisoners in the street and from their manner he watched them. He watched them for about a quarter of an hour and they noticed him looking at them and moved up the street. He saw Everitt go and speak to Woodward and a minute or two after he heard Woodward say “Good day I shall see you again”. Everitt went up the street and Woodward the opposite way. He had sold none of the coats during the day. George William Strange: he had purchased the coat, along with others, in May. There were always 2 tickets on the garments. The coat produced showed where 2 tickets had been and where the threads were left. He knew the coat by the stuff and make. He had seen Everitt in his shop but had never sold him a coat. He did not know if he had seen Woodward in his shop. The coat produced had not been in his possession 6 months ago. PC James Haynes: on 25 July he was on duty in Wellington Street and about 6pm he saw the prisoner coming down the street from the direction of Strange’s shop. Woodward appeared to have something bulky in his pocket. He suspected them and followed them. He saw them go into the Woolpack public house in London Road. He went in about 10 minute later just as the prisoners were leaving together. He asked Woodward where the bulk was that he had in his pocket. Wood ware said “I never had none”. He took the men back into the house and searched Woodward and found the coat on his back underneath his own coat. Woodward said he had bought the coat from Mr Strange six month ago. He took the prisoners to the police station and charged them. Woodward asked who had seen them take it. The stitches where the tickets had been were still on the coat. When Everitt had seen him he had beckoned to Woodward to go round another street. They had separated and had met again in George street. He had followed them. Statements of the accused: James Everitt – he had not got anything to say. George Woodward – nothing.

item

Woodward, George,
Everitt, James,
Gudgeon, Robert,
Strange, George William,
Haynes, James

LUTON, Luton Wellington Street, Luton Woolpack, stealing, coat, apprenticeship, draper