HF41/7/8/80

Bedfordshire Express; further report of the Trial of George Powers -quite favourable to him

6 Dec 1890

From: 1890 To: 1890

Suggests that the Sentence was too heavy and that it was regretable that the Judge gave no explanation; points out that the Cross-examination of witnesses (see HF41/7/8/75-76) showed that Powers believed he was within his rights as a tenant in removing the buildings although the Conviction was for "Malicious Damage" of the buildings. The Action was brought in a Criminal Court, rather than a Civil Court as Powers had virtually no money of his own to pay damages, having occupancy of the farm supposedly on behalf of his son Herbert, who was in America. In same issue : Letter from A County Ratepayer, critical of Powers. "I honour the Jury for not having been led away by violent abuse and the ignorant applause of the multitude, to whom it was of course 'nuts' to see one gentleman slanging another" Letter from J.W.Kingsley (late of Biggleswade) regarding Powers earlier clashes with the public & parish authorities of Biggleswade. Report on Page 8; Release of Mr George Powers; Powers released after 17 days after a Petition to the Home Secretary; account of his return from Bedford Prison to Caldecote ; met by cheering crowds; village decorated for the occasion; Biggleswade Drum & Fife Band and Biggleswade Brass Band played on Mr Powers's lawn. Letter of thanks from George Powers to his supporters

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Hooper & Fletcher,
Powers, George,
Powers, Herbert George,
Kingsley, J W

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