QSR1866/1/5/14d

Depositions of James Reddall, publican of Luton. George Smith, police sergeant of Luton. William Robinson Raban, silversmith of Luton. In the case of John Harris accused of uttering a false and counterfeit coin resembling a Half Crown.

4 December 1865

From: 1865 To: 1866

James Reddall: he kept the Old English Gentleman in Luton. On the night of Wednesday 15 November the prisoner came to the house and asked for a glass of beer. He served him and was given a half crown. He examined the half crown and found it to be bad. Harris said he did not know he had such a thing about him. Reddall locked the door and told Harris he would send for a policeman. Sergeant Smith came and took Harris into custody. He marked the half crown and gave it to Smith. Seregant George Smith: as a result of information received he went in search of the prisoner and found him at the Old English Gentleman. He took him into custody. The prisoner said he didn’t know anything about the charge and had no bad money on him. He searched the prisoner and found £2 12s 1d in good silver money and 11s 1 ½ d in good copper money. There were no half crowns. He was present when the accused was search at the police station by PC Lambert. 7 half crown pieces were found on the prisoner; 2 in his pocket and 5 in silver paper in his purse. William Robinson Raban: a silversmith and jeweller of Luton. He tested the half crown and found it to be counterfeit. The other 7 half crowns were also counterfeit. Statement of the accused: nothing.

item

Harris, John,
Reddall, James,
Smith, George,
Raban, William Robinson,
Lambert

LUTON, passing counterfeit coin, publicans, Luton Old English Gentleman, silversmiths