QSR1898/2/5/6

The Examinations of Sidney Smith of Northampton, Travelling Hawker; Florence Smith of Northampton wife of the said Sidney Smith. Elizabeth Mary Parkinson of Sharnbrook in the County of Bedford and Joseph Howe of Sharnbrook aforesaid Police Constable. In the case of Horace Storm of Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire did feloniously steal take and carry away certain monies to wit two sovereigns, one half sovereign, one florin and one sixpence the monies of one Sidney Smith, Travelling Hawker.

25th February 1898

From: 1898 To: 1898

This Deponent of Sidney Smith on his Oath saith as follows: - I am a Travelling Hawker and come from Northampton. The Prisoner has been working for me for about six weeks. On the 11th of this month I was in Mr Stringer’s field in Sharnbrook Parish with my Vans. I had given to my wife six pounds and two shillings a few days before all in gold. A half sovereign of which she had changed. I saw her put some money under the head of the bed where we sleep. On the 11th some little time after I was emptying some chaff out of a bag in the field because it was ripped. When Prisoner said “Give me the bag I will take it into the barn and sew it up” I went into the Van soon after and saw the Bag and the bed had been all shook up. I then looked for the money and it had gone. I called to the Prisoner but got no answer. I then ran up the road but could not see anything of him. I jumped on a horse to try and catch him but could not find him but came to Sharnbrook and told the Police. Prisoner had always been an honest little lad up to now. Deponent of Florence Smith on her Oath saith – I am the wife of the last witness – some few days before the 11th Feb my husband gave me £6-10/- in gold but [during the time] I changed half a sovereign. On the 11th I put all the money except a few coppers under the pillow of the bed in the Van where we slept. Some little time after I looked under the pillow with my husband all the money had gone. I had put £6 in gold and the change in silver from the half sovereign under the pillow. Deponent of Elizabeth Mary Parkinson on her oath saith: - I am the wife of Arthur Parkinson of Sharnbrook and keep a Grocers Shop - I know the Prisoner having come to my shop several times to purchase small [victuals]. On Friday Feb. 11 he came and brought some cakes and biscuits which came to nine pence he tendered me a half sovereign to pay for them. I gave him in change a five shilling piece 2 florin and 3 pennies in change. He then went away. Deponent of the said Joseph Howe on his oath saith I am a constable stationed at Sharnbrook. On Feb 11 about 3.20 pm I was on Duty at the police station when I received information from the Prosecutor that about £6- 10 had been taken from his Van in a field on the Rectory Farm. He described the Prisoner to me who he suspected of taking it as he could not find him anywhere. I went in search of the lad and apprehended him on the Rushden Road about 4.30. He began to cry and then took out of his pocket the money produced, 2 sovereigns a five shilling piece, 3 Florins a sixpence and a penny. I then took him to the Van and in the presence of Prosecutor I searched the bed from where the money had been taken. I then moved sundry things from under the bed. I found in an old rag the money now produced - 3 sovereigns, 1 half sovereign and 3 shillings. I then charged Prisoner with stealing the money I found on him, he began to cry and said he was very sorry. He said “I took about £2.17.6 from the van” and also that he had been to Mrs Parkinson and spent 9d 3 there and 2d he had given a porter for telling him the next train to Leicester. Statement of Accused: - I am guilty.

5 pages

item

Smith, Sidney,
Smith, Florence,
Parkinson, Elizabeth Mary,
Howe, Joseph,
Storm, Horace

Northampton, SHARNBROOK, hawker, police constable, stealing