QSR1893/3/5/6

Deposition of Emily Russell; Mary Ann Russell; Nelly Harwood; Edward Tingey of the White Hart Shefford and Charles Cheshire Police Sergeant at Shefford. In the case of Fred Breed charged with unlawfully and indecently did assault and ill treat a certain female named Emily Russell against the peace of our Sovereign Lady the Queen her Crown and dignity.

6th June 1893

From: 1893 To: 1893

In the case of Fred Breed charged with unlawfully and indecently did assault and ill treat a certain female named Emily Russell against the peace of our Sovereign Lady the Queen her Crown and dignity. The Deponent Emily Russell on her Oath saith as follows: I was out for a walk with Nelly Harwood on the Meppershall road about ten days ago. I saw a big boy – I look round the court but cannot recognize him – he felt up my clothes and hurt me he did it more that once Nelly Harwood was some distance off – he tool me from Nellie – he unbuttoned my drawers and put his hand up me. It was in the morning near dinner time. Polly fetched me – we dine at 12 or 1. I was lying down when he did it – he made me lay down – he then felt up my clothes again – I told my mother when I got home – it hurt me after I got home – I do not understand the word “recognize” I see the boy who did it – it is the defendant who did it. The Deponent of Nelly Harwood I am 8 years old. About 10 days or a fortnight ago – on a Thursday – a fortnight tomorrow I was out for a walk with Emily Russell in the morning – up the Meppershall road – I was wheeling our baby in a perambulator – Emily was walking with me Fred Breed the prisoners met us . He did not speak – He pretended he was drunk – he rolled about. He took the perambulator from me. He then got hold of Emily and throwed her down – I was against the big drain - I could see what Breed was doing – he felt up her clothes Emily cried out loud – I cried too. We went home together. [Cross examined by Prisoner] You did take the perambulator The Deponent of Mary Ann Russell wife of Thomas Russell on the 25th May – I sent my nurse girl to find my little girl Emily who was out for a walk with Nelly Harwood. They returned together Emily was hot and crying – from what she said I took her upstairs and examined her person – I frequently bathe her I had done so the night before [on] the 25th at 12 I examined her. Her private parts and thighs were very red & swollen – they were not so the night before. Since this occurrence she has been frightened at night – starts up and calls out – “take care of me mother- keep him away” The Deponent of Edward Tingey – White Hart Shefford. On Thursday 25th May I went to my land on the Meppershall Road and returned about 12 o’clock (noon) I saw little Russell and Harwood – I know them well – Russell was crying bitterly and Harwood also, Russell particularly – I saw Breed – he was then 100 yards from the children – walking towards Shefford. The Deponent of Charles Cheshire P. S. at Shefford I went to the Black Swan – from information I received I went in search of Fred Breed - I took him to the Black Swan – the two little girls Harwood & Russell were there both the girls pointed to the boy Breed & said – that’s him as did it – he made no answer Statement of Accused Fredrick Breed - said nothing.

9 pages

item

Russell, Emily,
Russell, Mary Ann,
Harwood, Nelly,
Tingey, Edward,
Cheshire, Charles,
Breed, Frederick

Shefford White Hart, Shefford Black Swan, MEPPERSHALL, SHEFFORD, indecent assault