QSR1830/491-492

Prosecution of John Ekins of Blunham for stealing fish from John Campbell Esq of Blunham (see QSR1830/487-488 for evidence about the use in this theft of a casting net belonging to John Elliott). Information of John Norman of Blunham, constable; information of William Sinfield of Blunham, labourer; information of William Norris of Biggleswade, hairdresser; examination of John Ekins.

November 1830

From: 1830 To: 1830

John Norman: was watching on the premises of John Campbell Esq and saw three men walking from the direction of Mr Campbell's fishpond carrying a casting net which they admitted belonged to John Elliott. He accused them of taking fish from Mr Campbell's fishpond, and was offered five shillings not to tell. The net had obviously just been used and the men's pockets were bulging with what he assumed were fish, but as he had no support he did not think it prudent to try to search them. As he was returning into the town he met James Tingey, who said he had just seen two persons with a considerable quantity of fish in their possession. William Sinfield: works on Mr Campbell's estate. evidence that the net had been used and there were few fishes left in the fishpond when it was dragged the following day. William Norris: John Ekins brought some fish to his shop for sale, saying he had cleared out a ditch at South Mills. He bought 2 pikes or jacks and half a dozen perch. They appeared badly-fed and not like river fish. John Ekins: nothing to say.

item

Ekins, John,
Campbell, John,
Elliott, John,
Norman, John,
Sinfield, William,
Norris, William,
Tingey, James

BLUNHAM, BIGGLESWADE, parish constables, hairdresser, stealing, fish