PETERSFIELD.
PETTY SESSIONS.—TUESDAY.—Present: The Hon. J. J. Carnegie (chairman), Sir W. W. Knighton, Bart., and J. Waddington, Esq.
CASE OF ASSAULT
ROBERT WILLIS, a carpenter at Eastmeon, was charged with assaulting Thomas Smith, a labourer of the same place, at the Seven Stars, in the Stroud, on the evening of Saturday, the 5th inst.
From the evidence adduced it appeared that prosecutor had used very offensive language respecting the defendant, who thereupon knocked him down.—Fined 1s. and 12s. 6d. costs.
ROBBERY BY A SERVANT
JANE ABURROW was brought up on remand, when the evidence of Mr. Light, the prosecutor, and P.C. William Hayter adduced at the previous Thursday's hearing at the Corn Exchange, before J. Waddington, Esq., and Captain Sandeman, was again gone into (and which fully appeared in the columns of this paper on Tuesday last), with the following additional evidence:—
Sarah Aburrow deposed—I live with Mrs. Parsons in the High-street, Petersfield. The prisoner is my sister. On Sunday, the 13th instant, she left a bundle at Mrs. Parsons’ for me. This is the handkerchief in which the things were tied (produced). I was gone to church. I saw her in the evening at my mistress's house. I then asked her what the bundle contained. She told me it was some of her own clothes. I did not open the bundle. I took it to my room. On Tuesday last I took it to my mother's at Froxfield.
Lucy Aburrow deposed—I live at Froxfield; prisoner is my daughter. I received a bundle from my daughter Sarah. She brought it to my house on Tuesday last, and on Wednesday I gave it to the constable.
P.C. Wm. Hayter deposed—On Monday, the 14th inst., I went to Mr. Light's at Westmark. The prisoner was there. I took possession of a bundle and a box. The bundle was wrapped up in a piece of flannel, containing the articles I now produce (which upon being placed upon the table created considerable surprise in a crowded court); one bottle of port wine, one bottle of sherry, one bottle of brandy of about a pint, two emptied bottles (one had had gin and the other rum), a piece of chintz, a piece of flannel, a quantity of lump and moist sugar, a parcel of tea, another of soap, 14 cigars, a pocket handkerchief and table napkin. I took the prisoner into custody, and upon leaving she asked Mr. Light to forgive her. I went on Wednesday to her father's house at Froxfield, where I received from her mother the bundle I now produce, containing one shirt, a piece of damask, one tray cloth, piece of towelling, one table cloth, linen wrapper, also a chemise, a pair of gloves, a piece of embroidery, and a piece of linen. A great portion of the things produced were identified by Mr. Light and his niece Miss Powell.
Prisoner, who appeared to feel her sad position, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to six months’ hard labour.
BURNING THE PURSE AND APPROPRIATING THE MONEY
GEORGE STANDING, the late busman in the service of Mr. Crafts (whose case was fully reported in our last week's impression), appeared under remand upon bail, was charged with feloniously stealing and carrying away a purse containing between £3 and £4 in gold and silver, the property of Mrs. Mary Mercer, of Midhurst.
The evidence adduced proved that the purse had been dropped outside the front door of the Petersfield Railway Station, and that the prisoner was seen to pick it up, and put it into his pocket by James Squires, a porter there employed.
Prisoner pleaded guilty.
Mr. Soames and Mr. Duplock spoke of his previous good character, and
The Chairman, in passing sentence of one month’s imprisonment, remarked upon the great necessity and importance of the case being thoroughly investigated, so that the porters and other innocent persons might be relieved from the suspicion they otherwise would be subjected to.
ROBBING A TRAVELLING MUSICIAN OF HIS FIDDLE
JAMES JENNINGS, a painter, in the employ of Mr. Woods, at Liss, was brought up on remand, charged with stealing, with violence, from the person of George Newbury, an old man, of Carisbrook, in the Isle of Wight, on the night of the 10th inst., at Liss, a violin, two shirts, a pair of stockings, and a hat, of the value of 10s.
The charge was proved, and the prisoner was committed for trial at the quarter sessions at Winchester.
STEALING A WHIP FROM A CART
THOMAS KINSHOTT, 14 years of age, was charged with stealing a whip from a cart opposite the Anchor Hotel, at Liphook, on Monday, the 7th instant, the property of Charles Coles, of Trotton.
Prosecutor requested the magistrates, as the prisoner had already been locked up for some days, to deal leniently with him.—Ordered to be kept in custody till the close of the court, and then to be discharged.
STEALING A PAIR OF BOOTS FROM A SHOP
JAMES THOMAS, a tramper, pleaded guilty to stealing from the shop of Mr. Arthur Ayling, at Petersfield, on Monday, the 21st instant, a pair of boots, of the value of 8s. 9d.—Sentenced to one month's imprisonment with hard labour.