QSR1899/2/5/2

Depositions of John Barker, Journeyman Butcher of Flitwick; Prudence Odell of Flitwick;Walter Feasey, Journeyman Butcher of Flitwick and William Kempson, Police Constable of Flitwick in the case against Charles Sinfield accused of stealing three two-shilling pieces, three shillings, two sixpences and one threepenny piece (in all 10shillings threepence) the monies of Charles Pearson Hobbs, Butcher of Flitwick.

16 March 1899

From: 1899 To: 1899

John Barker said: I live at Flitwick and am a journeyman Butcher and work for Charles Pearson Hobbs at Flitwick I occasionally work in the shop. On Friday 10th March 1899 about 11.30am I took some money out of the till to give to Mrs Hobbs. There was then left in the till 9 or 10 shillings in silver small change. I left the shop about 1.15 the till had not been touched then since 11.30. The till is situate in a desk on the opposite side of the counter from the door. Prudence Odell said: I am the wife of Joseph Odell of Flitwick Platelayer. I live in a cottage opposite Hobbs Butchers’ shop. From my window you can see into the shop. On the 10th about 1.30 I was looking out of my window. I saw the Defendant come from the direction of Ampthill. He went into Hobbs shop he went round the corner of the counter. I went outside to the shop door he was the other side of the counter at the till. He had the drawer open I saw him shut it. He then came to the door and I went round to the back of the houses and informed Mr Hobbs assistant Feasey. The Defendant had meanwhile gone on up the road towards the station. Feasey went after him. Walter Feasey said: I am a journeyman Butcher in employ of Mr Charles Pearson Hobbs and live at Flitwick. On the 10th March I relieved barker at the shop about 1.15. A few minutes after I left the shop and went round to the back. Mrs Odell came to me and from what she told me I went after the Defendant up the station road. I caught him up near the gate heading into the allotments I said You have been robbing the till and I asked him to go with me to the Police. He refused to go with me and I fetched the Policeman. Meanwhile the Defendant had gone inside the allotment fields. We went to him. The Policeman searched him but only found 2 pence on him. He was taken into custody and brought to Ampthill. Kempston has since pointed out to me a spot in the allotment field where he found some money. I saw the Defendant go close by the spot. I looked at the till before I want after the Defendant. There was only 6pence in silver in it. William Kempson said: I am a Police Constable stationed at Flitwick. On the 10th March 1899 about 1.30pm I was called by witness Feasey. I went with him to the allotment field in the Station Road where I saw the Defendant. I told him he was accused of stealing money from Hobbs till. He said he had not been at any till. I searched him but found 2 penny pieces on him only. I took him into custody and took him to the station. I afterwards searched the hedge and bank near the gate into the allotment field. I found 3 florins, 3 shillings 2 sixpences and a Threepenny bit buried in the bank. I produce the coins. Statement of the accused: It is a mystery to me. What possessed me I don't know. I did not know what I was doing. I was under the influence of drink.

8 pages

item

Sinfield, Charles,
Barker, John,
Odell, Prudence,
Feasey, Walter,
Kempson, William

FLITWICK, butchers, journeyman, stealing, money