27th August 1926 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

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Buntingford Petty Sessions

Friday last, before Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis, C.B.E., and Captain H.H. Williams, with the Clerk (Mr H.M. Gisby).

No Licence

William Brown, of Harestreet, Buntingford, was charged with keeping a dog without a licence.

P.c. Gillett gave evidence of calling on defendant at 10 p.m. on 21st June.

The Chairman, who referred to the absence of the defendant from Court, said there would be a fine of 10/- with 4/- costs.

A Motor Case: Sequel to an Accident

Cecil Charles, of Cottered, was summoned for driving a motor car without having efficient brakes attached, at Buntingford, on 14th July.

P.c. Williams, of Buntingford, stated that he was called to the scene of an accident during the afternoon of 14th July.

On arrival he found that a motor lorry, owned by Mr Charles of Cottered, had collided with a Calthorpe car at the junction of Baldock Road. He noticed a skid mark made by the front wheels of the lorry; there were no skid marks from the rear wheels. The road was in good condition.

On Friday, 16th June, in company with P.s. Dean, he examined the brakes and hooter of the damaged lorry which had been removed to the Tanyard. Both the front and rear brakes were inefficient; the front brake when pulled back had no effect on the brake, and when the foot brake was pressed down it went easily on the casting.

On Wednesday, 21st July, in company with the defendant and Sergeant Dean, he again inspected the loory. The rear wheel was jacked up, and although the hand brake was pulled on the wheel turned easily. He asked the driver for an explanation, and he replied that a new band had been recently put on the hand brake, and that both brakes were in order.

Cross-examined by Mr Reginald Hartley, solicitor, of Royston, who represented defendant, the constable stated that he had had little experience with motor cars. He did not examine the brakes on the day of the accident. The brake guide was not disconnected when he first examined the lorry.

P.c. Gillett stated that he was present when the lorry was examined by the last witness. He tested the brakes, and neither of them had any control over the amchine. The foot brake required taking up.

Cross-examined by Mr Hartley, the constable said the front part of the lorry was badly damaged.

Alfred Hale Hedges, motor engineer, of Buntingford, gave evidence of inspecting the damaged lorry at the Tanyard. The foot brake pedal went down on top of the transmission case casting without gripping the bands. The brake required taking up. The hand brake lever could be pulled right back, and judging from his experience the two brakes had no control over the car.

Cross-examined by Mr Hartley, witness said he had had 22 years' experience with motors. Since the war he had done a lot of work on Ford cars. The Ferodo lining might last two weeks or perhaps six months, it all depended on the quality. The brakes were intact when he examined the lorry. The brake guides would have no effect on the breaking.

In reply to the Chairman, witness said in his opinion the accident to the front part of the lorry had no effect upon the brakes.

Cecil Charles, the driver, stated that the brakes had been re-lined in June. He had used both brakes just before the accident, and they were efficient.

Herbert Crowe, motor engineer, of Stevenage, who stated that he had had nine years' experience with motors, said he examined the damaged lorry on Thursday, 19th August. The hand brake was holding on the off-side rear wheel but not on the near side. 

When he replaced the brake rod in the brake guide he found that the brake operated on both wheels. The front of the lorry was badly damaged, and he thought that the collision threw the brakes out of the guide. It was not possible to test the foot brake as the engine could not be started.

Mr Frank Charles, the owner of the car, gave evidence of driving the vehicle on the day previous to the accident, and said the car stood on a hill although it was loaded with 50 trusses of straw.

Alfred Baker, of Ware, gave evidence of witnessing the accident, and stated that the defendant was travelling slowly at the time and would not require brakes to pull up.

The Bench retired, and on their return, the chairman said they had given the case very careful consideration, and had come to the conclusion that there was not sufficient evidence to warrant a conviction.

It was somewhat unfortunate that the condition of the lorry was not examined on the day of the accident by an expert.

28th January 1927 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

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Buntingford Petty Sessions

Cambridge Undergraduate Fined for Dangerous Driving

Foxhounds Injured by Motorist

Friday last, before Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis C.B.E., and Captain H.H. Williams.

John Daniel Hawthorn (21), of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, appeared on a charge of drivinga motor car in a manner dangerous to the public, at Buckland, on 20th November.

The defendant, who was represented by Mr Grafton Pryor, Barrister, of Cambridge, pleaded not guilty.

Mr G. Passingham, Solicitor of Hitchen, outlined the case for the prosecution. On November 20th (the case had been adjourned till now, because of the defendant's absence in America), the Puckeridge Hounds had just drawn a wood, and were on the highway between Buntingford and Royston, when a car, driven by the defendant, appeared two or three hundred yards away.

The car was travelling at a very fast pace, and the huntsman held up his hands as a signal for the driver to slow down. The drive did nothing till he was within 20 yards of the pack when he put on his brakes and skidded into the hounds, injuring three couples.

Robert Gardner, the Huntsman of the Puckeridge Hunt, said he was in charge of the pack on the day in question. The hounds were on the road when he saw a car about 200 yards away, and put up his hand as a signal to the drive to slow down. The driver did not try to stop till he got within 15 to 20 yards, when he put the brakes on, and the car skidded into the pack. Three or more couples were knocked over, one hound being pinned under the car.

Cross-examined by Mr Grafton Pryor: It was a wet day and the road was greasy.

P.S. Dean, of Buntingford, said that the width of the road at the point of collision was 17ft. 6in.

James Hewins, 1st Whip, corroborated the evidence of the Huntsman. While the hounds were being extricated from under the car, the defendant admitted that he saw the huntsman hold up his hand.

Arthur W. Griffin, the seocnd whip, also gave evidence.

Mrs E. Hargreaves, of Royston, said she was riding directly behind the pack on the day in question, when she saw a large motor car coming down the road at great speed. The came right on top of the pack, and the hounds were howling and screaming, some being pinned under the car. Some of the hounds were carried along on the front axle.

The defendant, in a statement made from the witness box, said he was the owner of the car, which was a 30-98 Vauxhall. It had four-wheel brakes, and was known as a "super-sports" model. On the date of the accident he was driving from Royston to Ware, and his speed was about 35 m.p.h.

As he came over the rise, he saw a man on horseback and thought he was meeting a detachment of soldiers. He put on his brakes, but the car kept going as the brakes would not hold. The hounds took up all the road, and there was no room for the car to pass. As soon as he realised what he had done, he jumped out and apologised. He had been driving a car for nine years, and had never been charged before.

Anthony Patrick Adamson, of Jesus College, who was riding in the front seat with the defendant at the time of the accident, also gave evidence. He said that the defendant did all in his power to pull the car up.

Jeffrey Thomas, another undergraduate, of Trinity Hall, who was sitting at the back of the car, said the defendant applied his brakes as soon as he saw the Huntsman raise his hand.

Addressing the Bench, Mr Pryor said that no one regretted the accident more than Mr Hawthorn. The defendant was not in the habit of driving at great speed and, as the Bench had heard, he had been driving a car for nine years, and had not been previously charged. The brakes of the car were defective and the weather conditions were bad. He (Mr Pryor) hoped that the Bench would "temper the wind of the defendant because of his clean sheet."

The Bench retired for ten minutes, and on returning, the Chairman said the charge against defendant had been proved. He wished to say that it was a very serious offence indeed to drive a high-powered car on a slightly foggy day down hill at the excessive speed of 35 miles per hour, whether there were sheep or hounds on the road.

The Bench had very seriously considered whether to suspect the defendant's licence for a considerable period but after what his Solicitor had said they had decided to inflict a fine of £5 and £3 7s. 0d. cost.

The defendant's licence would also be endorsed.

Ardeley Fowl Stealing Charge

H.G. Stroud, of Wood End, Ardeley, appeared on a charge of fowl stealing at Ardeley. The defendant, an Ex-Sergt. of the Garrison Artillery, had an excellent record, which saved him from prison, the Magistrates imposing a fine of £5 and 15/- costs.

Evidence was given by William H. Livings, a farmer of Gt. Munden, who said that on January 12th he received information that his fowlhouse at Orange End had been broken into. He saw footmarks near the house, and later found that 28 fowls were missing. These he valued at 10/- each. The defendant had previously been to him and asked for work.

P.S. Dean gave evidence of interviewing the defendant in company with Inspector Herbert.

Defendant at first denied all knowledge of the matter, but later told the Sergeant that he had taken 12 fowls, and hearing that the police were making enquiries as to their loss, he took them to a field and released them. The Sergeant and the Inspector went to the field, but there was no trace of the fowls.

Supt. Wright said the defendant had served 11 years in the Army, having served in France from 1915 to the end of the war. After the war he obtained work as a temporary postman, and later was employed at Woolwich Arsenal, where he was discharged in September, 1925, with a good character. He was a married man with two children.

The Chairman said it was a dreadful thing to see a man in defendant's position. Here was a man with a excellent character stooping to petty foggy stealing. He, the Chairman, saw no reason why the defendant should not go to prison.

Mr Livings said he was prepared to assist the defendant, whereupon the Chairman said that defendant would have to pay Mr Livings £5 and the Court costs 15/-, further than that the defendant would be placed on probation for 12 months.

"Mr Livings has treated you very leniently," said the Chairman to the defendant.

7th January 1927 - Funeral of the Late Mr Harry Woodley

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Funeral of the Late Mr Harry Woodley

The funeral of the late Mr Harry Woodley, licensee of "The White Hart," Buntingford, whose death was reported last week, took place on Thursday, December 30th.

The remains, encassed in a plain elm coffin, were conveyed to the Church by a Washington car.

The coffin was inscribed:

Harry Woodley, Died December 24th, 1926, Aged 65 years.

The first part of the service was conducted by the Rev. A. Howard, while the lesson was read by the Rev. John Cole.

The immediate mourners were: Mrs Woodley (wife), Miss Woodley (daughter), Mrs Fox and Mrs Chapman (sisters), Messrs. F.R. and L. Woodley (brothers), Mrs F. Woodley and Mrs L. Woodley (sisters-in-law), Mr Seller, Mr F. Seller, Mr and Mrs J. Seller (nephews and niece), Mr H. Gray, Mr F. Stoten, and the Rev. John Cole.

It will be re-called that the deceased served in the Metropolian Police Force for 25 years, and a  touching reminder of this was shown by the presence at the Church and graveside of Srgt. Dean, of the Buntingford Police Station.

Amongst other townspeople present, we observed Mrs E. Law, Mrs Warner, Mrs Thody, Mrs Borsberry, Mrs Winters, Mrs Robinson, Mrs Lawrence, Mrs Crouch, Mrs Watson, Mrs Plumb, Mrs Franklin, Mr S. Saggers and others.

There were several beautiful floral tokens, which were sent by the following:

From his sorrowing wife and daughter; George and Jane; Frank and Fanny and Family; Leonard and Clara; Jack and Kate; Jack and Rose, Billy and Mill; Brother Bob, Walter and Mabel; Flo, Walt, and Jack; Fred and Birdie; Mr and Mrs Stoten and Fred; Mr and Mrs Mottram and Sid; Rev. J. Cole; Mr and Mrs H. Gray; Mr and Mrs W. Gray; Mrs Robinson; Mr and Mrs Franklin; Mr and Mrs Haddock; and Miss E. Cato.

11th February 1927 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

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Buntingford Petty Sessions

Friday last, before Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis, C.B.E., and Claud Fraser, Esq.

Licensing

Inspector Herbert presented the annual report respecting licensed premises in the Division.

There were, he said, 33 fully licensed premises, 8 licensed for consumption "on the premises," four "off" licenses, and one grocer's licence, making a total of 46.

During the year, four licenses had been transferred. No licensee had been proceeded against, and there had only been one male convicted of drunkenness.

The Inspector then stated the times of the licensed hours in force in the Division.

The Chairman said the Bench were very satisfied with the report. It was satisfactory to the Bench, the Police and the Public, and the Bench wished to express their appreciation.

The application for the full transfer of the licence fo "The White Hart" Public House, Buntingford, from Harry Woodley to Mary Jane Woodley was granted.

A Cottered Theft Charge

Victor John Ginn (21), of Broadfield, Buntingford, appeared on a charge of stealing middlings and meal at Cromer, Stevenage, on 24th January, 1927. The defendant pleaded "Guilty."

Mr W.H. Kittow, farmer, of Bancroft, Cottered, said he sent the defendant with six bags of meal and five bags of middlings from Bancroft to Luffenhall Farm.

He was passing through Cromer between 3 and 4 p.m. on the day in question, when he saw the defendant turn his horse and cart into "The Chequers" yard. He (the witness) thought it strange, so he approached the defendant, who told him that he was taking some potatoes for Mr Gray to a Mr Paul. 

The witness then looked in a shed at "The Chequers" and saw four sacks of meal. He opened the bags and found that the meal was quite warm, having just come from the mill.

The defendant, who at first denied leaving the meal there, later admitted that he left one bag. He saw him again later, when he admitted leaving one bag of meal and three of middlings. The defendant, who had been in his employ for some time was receiving 34/6 per week.

P.C. Hill, of Chipping, said on receiving information from Mr Kittow he visited "The Chequers" yard, Cromer, in company with Sergt. Dean.

He later saw the defendant and conveyed him to Buntingford Police Station, where he made a statement to the effect that on 24th January he was ordered to take six bags of meal and five bags of dan to Luffenhall. He left three bags of dan and one of meal at Cromer for Mr M. Gray, who had asked him to bring him some.

Montague Grey, of Cottered, a farmer and dealer, was then charged with receiving the stolen middlings and meal. He pleaded "Not guilty."

Mr W.H. Kittow repeated his former evidence, and added that on the evening of the day of the offence Gray came up to see him.

The defendant Gray told witness that he was very sorry for what had happened, but said that he was not there when the meal was delivered at his building, and that he did not know anything about it. Mr Kittow added that he had known Gray for many years, and if he had known that he was short of meal he would willingly have sent him some.

P.C. Hill said he saw the defendant Gray in company with Mr Kittow on 25th January, when Gray made a statement to the effect that he saw Ginn two or three days previous to the offence and asked him to bring him some meal from Walkern Mill or Kitchener's.

He visited his premises at Cromer on Monday, 24th January, and found four bags of meal in a cart shed. He later saw Mr Kittow and told that the meal was not his (defendant's). He had never bought any stuff off of Ginn in his life, and he did not want other people's stuff in his shed.

In a statement to the Bench, the defendant said that Ginn had previously bought meal for him from Walkern Mill and from Cromer Mill. As the roads were in such a bad state, he could not get out with his own horse, so he asked Ginn to [word erased] him some meal from Cromer [or?] Walkern Mill or Mr Kitchen[er's] at Walkern.

He was not at "The Chequers" when the meal was left there by Ginn, and he was very sorry that Ginn had left it there on that occasion.

Inspector Herbert said that the defendant was a man of good character.

After consultation, the Chairman addressing Ginn said he had pleaded guilty to a very serious charge. The Bench, however, had decided to take a lenient view of the case, and instead of sending the defendant to prison he would be fined £2 and 15/- costs, and would be placed under probation for a period of two years.

With reference to Gray's case, the Chairman said the Bench did not consider that there was sufficient evidence to convict, and the case would be dismissed.

A Housing Tangle

Robert H. Clark, of High Street, Royston, made application for an ejectment order against Mrs Fox, for the possession of a cottage occupied by her at Buntingford.

Mr R. Clark, jun., said he father had been served with a notice by the Buntingford Rural District Council to put the property into habitable repair. His father was willing to do this provided he could get possession of the cottage. At present there were seven persons living in two rooms.

The Clerk: Is the rent in arrear?

Mr Clark: No.

The Clerk: Then the Bench cannot grant an ejectment order.

Mr Clark: Then what am I to do? The Council have served us with a statutory notice, signed by the Medical Officer of Health, and we cannot do the repairs necessary till the place is unoccupied.

The Clerk: The Council must take action themselves.

Mr Clark: It comes back on the owner every time. I had a similar case at Melbourn some years ago, and the Bench issued an ejectment order.

The Clerk: Yes, that was before the Rent Restriction Act come into force.

Mr Clark: I don't want to press for an ejectment, but you see our position. We are being pressed by the District Council, and yet we cannot get possession of the house. It is impossible to do the necessary repairs while the people are living there.

The Chairman: If the Council have condemned the property then they must close it.

Mr Clark: They have not condemned it, but have served us with a notice to put it in habitable repair.

The Clerk: The Council must take action under Section 11 of the Housing Act, 1925. This Bench has no power to issue an ejectment order under the circumstances of the case.

11th March 1927 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

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Buntingford Petty Sessions

Friday last, before Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis (in the Chair), Captain H.H. Williams and Claud Fraser, Esq.

Sequal to a Fog Mishap [original article]

Eric Lancelot Routh, of East Hoathley, Sussex, was summoned by the Police for driving a motor car in a manner dangerous to the public, at Buckland on 14th February, 1927.

The defendant, who pleaded not guilty, was defended by Mr Walter Frampton, jun., instructed by Messrs. Lloyd and Armstrong, of London, W.C.

Edward Ellis Mildren, of Buckland House, Buckland, said on 14th February he took four bullocks to Buntingford Market, he drove them back to Buckland during the afternoon, leaving Buntingford at 2.45 p.m.

Between Chipping and Buckland he heard a car approaching from the direction of Buckland. There was a thick fog at the time, and he was unable to see more than 20 or 30 yards. He put up his hands for the car to stop, and called out to a boy who was ahead of the bullocks to do the same.

The witness then tried to get the bullocks on one side, but as the car did not appear to pull up, he jumped into the hedge; as he did so he heard the car crash into one of the bullocks which was carried down the road about 40 yards.

Witness went down and helped to get the bullock from underneath the car, and after staggering for some yards, the bullock fell down and had to be slaughtered.

In answer to Supt. Wright witness said the weight of the bullock was approximately 12 cwt. It was foggy all the way from Buntingford.

Cross-examined by Mr Frampton: The car was on its right side.

William A. Sell, a lad of 15, in the employ of Mr Mildren, said he was in front of the bullocks when he heard a car approaching. He saw a car through the fog, and the next instant it hit one of the bullocks and knocked it along the ground. It was a very foggy afternoon.

Police Constable Williams said he received a message to the effect that a car had collided with a bullock in Chipping. He went to the scene of the accident where he saw an Essex Six car on the near-side of the road. He measured a skid mark which was 156 feet long. The width of the road at the spot where the car was alleged to have hit the bullock was 20 feet.

Cross-examined: The car too up about 9ft. 9in. of the road, leaving 10ft. 3in. to the good.

P.S. Dean, of Buntingford, said the defendant reported to him that he had hit a bullock on the road near Chipping; the defendant stated at the time that his speed was about 20 m.p.h.

The defendant, an Ex-Army Capt. with the M.C. and bar, said he was returning from Huntingdon on 14th February. As he was nearing Chipping, he ran into a mist which grew thicker.

He saw some cattle ahead, and instantly applied his brakes; he felt the front wheels of the car skid, and he found that it was impossible to avoid hitting one of the beasts which strayed across the road. His speed at the time was between 20 and 30 m.p.h. He paid a man to tow the car off the bullock.

Addressing the Bench, Mr Frampton said it was most difficult to judge the speed of a car coming towards you. There was a bank about 2 ft. high on the near-side of the road, and had Capt. Routh chosen this instead of the bullock, it might have led to more disastrous results. The owner of the bullock had been compensated for its loss.

The magistrates retired, and on returning, the Chairman said in their opinion it was a suitable case for the police to have brought forward; the evidence, however, did not lead them to the conclusion that there was sufficient evidence to convict.

The Bench wished to say that proper precautions were taken by the driver of the bullocks. It was one of those deplorable accidents which were difficult to evade in a thick fog.

School Attendance

Charles Glasscock, of Baldock Road, Buntingford, was summoned for not causing Joseph Wick to attend school regularly.

The attendance officer, Mr B.E. Thody, stated that the child had made 81 out of 96 attendances. The chairman said that an attendance order would be made.

Dog Licenses

Applications for exemption from dog licenses were considered and granted.

A Lady and Justice

The Chairman said that a letter had been received from Mrs Edis to the effect that she wished to speak from the Market Hill on the subject of Justice.

The Chairman said he was afraid it was not a matter for the magistrates to deal with, but perhaps the Police would look into the lady's request.

10th June 1927 - Cricket - Aspenden v. Clapton

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Cricket

Aspenden v. Clapton

The above teams met at Aspenden on Whit-Monday, and a very pleasant and close game resulted.

Aspenden batted first, and made 57. Jackson (22) and Stoten (14) were the principal scorers.

Clapton made 6 more than their opponents, thus winning the match. Gardener and Prince were the only batsmen to reach double figures.

Score:

Aspenden

J. Holmes, c Slatter, b Dean - 5

F. Barker, c Dean, b Head - 0

F. Hurry, c Head, b Gardener - 5

W. Neale, run out - 0

A. Shepherd, b Head - 0

F. Stoten, c Gardener, b Head - 14

R. Whitby, b Head - 0

H. Parker, stumped Prince, b Head - 7

W. Jackson, b Ashbolt - 22

S. Oakley, b Ashbolt - 0

R. Poulton, not out - 0

Extras - 4

Total - 57

Clapton

S. Gardner, c Oakley, b Shepherd - 8

W. Ashbolt, c Poulton, b Neale - 2

D. Davies, c Neale, b Shepherd - 6

W. Slatter, c Holmes, b Shepherd - 1

H. Prince, b Jackson - 11

T. Gardener, b Jackson - 17

H. Dean, c Hurry, b Shepherd - 3

M. Head, c Hurry, b Shepherd - 1

R. Slatter, c and b Shepherd - 0

L. Stevens, run out - 4

R. Jarrett, not out - 7

Extras - 3

Total - 63

2nd July 1926 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

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Buntingford Petty Sessions

Friday last, before Col. C.H.B. Heaton-Ellis (in the chair), The Hon. Baron C.R. Dimsdale, Captain H.H. Williams, and D. Crossman, C. Fraser and H.C. Marshall Esqs.

An Assault Case

Thomas Charles, of Harestreet, was summoned for assaulting Jonah Brown, of Sandon Road, Buntingford.

In his evidence the paintiff stated that the defendant jeered at him when he passed on 17th May. On June 3rd he stopped him in the High Street, and said he would hit plaintiff with a stick. Witness went up the Harestreet Road, where defendant struck him on the arm and shoulder.

Herbert Barron, of Harestreet, and George Jackson, of Buntingford, gave evidence on behalf of the defendant. Mr G.H. Maughan represented the plaintiff.

After hearing all the evidence the Chairman said it appeared that there was a long standing feud between the two. There was no doubt that the defendant did assault the plaintiff, as was shown by the medical certificate.

Defendant would be bound over for six months in the sum of £10.

Buntingford Farm Labourer Committed to Trial for Thefts

Cecil Henry Wood (26), a farm labourer, of Baldock Lane, Buntingford, was brought up in the custody of two warders from Brixton and charged with three separate offences, which, except for an hour's interval, occupied the Court till 2.45 p.m.

He was first charged with breaking into and stealing from Messrs. Forrest Stores, Ltd., Buntingford, property of the value of £1 13s. 4d. on the night of 17th and 18th June last.

Thomas Chamberlain Bayman, manager of the branch shop of Forrest Stores, Ltd., High Street, Buntingford, said on June 18th at 7.30 a.m. he went to the lock-up shop straight through to get a sack barrow. He found one of the four panes of the window of the door at the back broken and the bolts drawn back.

He was the last to leave the previous night when the door was securely fastened. Witness to the barrow to his home and then went to the police station and returned to the shop with P.S. Dean. He showed P.S. Dean the till, which the previous night contained 25s., and it was absolutely empty. All the drawers behind the counter were open. The cake case had been opened, some chocolate squares taken and a small caramel bitten and replaced on the case.

He was subsequently shown the same morning at 10.30 a bottle of sherry partly empty, four packets of cigarettes and 1 and three quarter packets of chocolate, of the total value of 7/9, all of which were produced and identified as having been in stock at the stores.

P.S. Dean, stationed at Buntingford, said he received a report from thr last witness and went with him to the shop. He found an entrance had been effected by breaking the glass and drawing the bowls of the door at the rear of the shop.

He took possession of the caramel produced, and found on it two distinct teeth marks. He searched the premises and at the rear the ground was wet, and he saw distinct foot-marks of hob nailed boots with toe and heel tips.

In company with P.C. Williams he traced these foot-marks along the footpath leading from High Street to Baldock Lane. Near Back Lane he saw the prisoner pass, and noticing his pockets were bulky called on him to stop. As he went towards him he noticed the footprints made by the prisoner corresponded exactly with those he had seen at the rear of Forrest Stores.

When asked what he had in his pockets he said "nothing". Witness searched him and found in the lining of his coat the gun produced and three cartridges. He said he had no gun licence. Witness told him his footprints corresponded with those found at the rear of Forrest Stores and that he suspected him of breaking into the stores, and he replied "I should not do a thing like that."

He gave his correct name and address, and refused to have his house searched, so witness took him into custody. On the way to the Police Station he threw the gun down and bolted. Witness ran and caught him, and he said "I'm not coming with you; I was out of work and hungry, and that is what made me steal."

At the station witness asked him to bite the caramel produced, which he did, and the marks corresponded exactly with those on the one found in the shop. He then said "I did break into Forrest Stores and steal some money and things, and you will find them on a table at my house."

In company with P.C. Voller and P.C. Williams, witness went to the prisoner's house and found on the kitchen table 25/5 in money, 1 and three quarter bars of chocolate, four packets of cigarettes and a bottle of sherry (three-parts full), all of which were prdouced. These were shown to him, and he said "That is all I took."

When charged the prisoner made no reply, and told the Bench he did not wish to say anything.

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The second charge was that of breaking and entering the premises of Mr A.S. Grigg, of Cockhampstead Farm, Braughing, and stealing property of the value of £1 11s. 2d. on the night of the 27th and 28th March last.

Theodore Austin Grigg, farmer, assisting his father at Cockhampstead Farm, said on March 27th he went out in the evening and came in just before 11 o'clock, and went to bed at 11.30 p.m.

The next morning he came down at 7 a.m. he discovered that his father's desk in the dining room had been broken open. He went into the kitchen to see if the door had been forced,but it was all right. The bottom half of the window was wide open, by which someone had entered. He went upstairs and told his father.

Albery Scantlebury Grigg, of Cockhampstead Farm, said in consequence of what his son said on the morning of March 28th he examined his desk in the dining room which he kept locked. The lock had been broken off after an attempt to cut it out, but the mahogany was too hard.

He found all the silver and copper missing - a little over 30s. His wallet, containing £8 in treasury notes, was not taken, but all the papers were dis-arranged. From the kitchen dresser one-and-a-half pounds of cheese and some stewed figs had been taken, and the place was dis-arranged. There were two guns kept in the corner of the kitchen. The double-barrelled one had been loaded with cartridges taken from the top of the mantlepiece, and with both barrels cocked placed by the door. He informed the police immediately.

P.C. G.A. Voller, of Bishops Stortford, said on March 18th [transciber note - it definitely looks like 18th but should be 28th] a report was received that Cockhampstead Farm had been broken into during the night and £1 10s. in money stolen from a desk in the dining room and a quantity of cheese from the larder, to the value of 1s. 2s.

In company with other officers the premises was examined and it was found that entrance had been gained by an insecure window in the kitchen. At 11.15 a.m. on June 18th he interviewed the prisoner in custody at this station and informed him that he suspected him of breaking into Cockhampstead Farm and stealing some money and cheese.

He at first denied it, and then said "I may as well tell you the truth. I wish to state that I have broken into Mr Grigg's house at Cockhampstead twice. On the first occasion I took some money from a desk and also some cheese from a cupboard. I cannot say how much money it was. This happened on a Saturday night. When I broke in the second time I took a gun, the one which the sergeant took from me today. This was on a Thursday night. I was hungry when I done these jobs, otherwise I should not have done them. I am sorry for the trouble I have put everyone to." He read the statement to the prisoner and he signed it. Later he was charged with the offence.

In answer to the Chairman, Supt. Wright stated that the prisoner was born in 1898, and was a single man. He joined the Army in 1915, and was transferred to the Army Reserve in 1919.

The prisoner said he was in the Northampton Regiment and served in France.

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The third charge against the prisoner was that of breaking into Cockhampstead Farm on the night of 13th and 14th May last, and stealing a gun, the property of Mr A.G. Grigg, to the value of £1.

Theodore Austin Grigg, of Cockhampstead Farm, said on May 13th last he went to bed at 10 o'clock and got up the next morning at 7. He went downstairs and found the kitchen door wide open, and groceries strewn on the doorstep and just outside. The drawers in the dresser in the kitchen had been ransacked and a single barrelled gun that stood in the corner taken away.

He recognised the gun produced. He went through into the scullery and found the window open, and in the sink in front of it was some mud that had come off someone's shoes. The kitchen door was locked and fastened the night before. The key lay just inside on the floor. He valued the gun at £2.

P.C. Voller, who was commended in the previous case by the Chairman for the way he gave his evidence, recapitulated his interview with the prisoner on June 18th, and with regard to this charge asked him to give an explanation of how he came into possession of the gun. He stated "I bought it from a strange man at Puckeridge three months ago, and gave 30/- for it."

Witness told him that this was not a satisfactory explanation, and that he was suspected of breaking into Cockhampstead Farm and stealing the gun which was found in his possession. The prisoner then made the voluntary statement already given in the previous case, and when charged and cautioned made no reply.

The prisoner was committed for trial and remanded to Brixon until Monday last, when his trial took place at the County Quarter Sessions at Hertford. All the witnesses in the cases were bound over to give evidence at the Quarter Sessions.

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At the Herts. Assizes at Hertford on Monday last Woods was sentenced to six months' inprisonment in respect of each of the charges, the sentences to run concurrently.

25th June 1926 - Housebreaking at Buntingford

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Housebreaking at Buntingford

Man Detained By The Police

The premises of Messrs. Forrest Stores, Buntingford, were broken into on the night of June 17th to 18th, and cash, cigarettes, chocolate, &c., stolen.

An entry was made through a door at the back of the premises, the glass in the door being smashed to allow the bolts to be drawn.

The discovery was made by the Branch Manager, Mr T.C. Bayman, at 7.30 on Friday morning. No one resides at the premises, and it is not likely that the neighbours would be disturbed by anyone at the back of Messrs Forrest Stores premises.

The Police were informed of the robbery at 8 a.m., and Sergt. Dean and Detective Voller arrested a man on suspicion at 10.30 a.m. He was later charged, and appeared before Capt. H.H. Williams.

Giving evidence, Sergt. Dean stated that he received information at 8 a.m. that morning that Messrs. Forrest Stores, Buntingford, had been broken into during the night.

He made enquiries, and traced a man's footprints up the path at the back of the premises to Baldock Road. He later met Charles Woods, who was carrying a gun, and notice [sic] that Woods' boots compared with the marks at the rear of the Stores; he told the defendant that he suspected him and asked him whether he would allow his house to be searched. The defendant replied that he would not.

The man was then asked to proceed to the Police Station but on the way he tried to escape. He was caught, and admitted breaking into the premises, stating that he was hungry. Sergt. Dean stated that later, in company with Detective Voller, he went to the defendant's house and found in a bag on the table £1 5s. 5d. in cash, a bar and three-parts of a bar of chocolate, a bottle of sherry and four packets of cigarettes. He later charged Charles Henry Woods, who made no reply.

A remand was ordered until today (Friday), prisoner being committed to Brixton.

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Read the full Petty Sessions report from 2nd July.

11th June 1926 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

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Buntingford Petty Sessions

Friday last before Col. C.H.B. Heaton-Ellis, C.B.E., The Hon. Baron Dimsdale, Capt. H.H. Williams and H.C. Marshall, Esq.

Poor Rate

The Cottered Poor Rate was signed by two Justices. The rate was at 5/- in £.

LONDON MEN BROUGHT UP ON REMAND

Wrong Names and Addresses

The three London men, who, as reported in our last issue, were remanded for stealing three pairs of motor goggles, the property of the Herts. County Council, were brought up on remand, and were formally charged with theft. All the defendants pleaded guilty.

Supt. Wright informed the Bench that from enquiries made it had been ascertained that when the men were arrested by P.S. Dean they each gave wrong names and addresses.

The defendant who gave his name as Sullivan and address Beaconsfield Road, Shoreditch, was George Wright, of 18, Marnesbury Terrace, Canning Town. Anderson's correct name was Frank Slade, of 84, Clarence Road, Canning Town, and the defendant Jones, who stated he resided at Beaconsfield Road, Shoreditch, was R. Murphy of 61, Croydon Road, Plaistow.

Herbert Smith, of Gt. Munden, a road foreman in the employ of the Herts. County Council, stated that he missed the goggles from a bag attached to his cycle, which was standing near Hamels Park. The goggles (produced) were the ones in his care. They were valued at 2/- each.

Sergt. Dean stated that on Monday, 31st May, he was on duty when he received information that five pairs of motor goggles had been stolen between Buntingford and Standon. He went towards Standon, and saw three men lying on the grass.

He told them he was a police officer, and that he was making enquiries about some stolen goggles. He started to search the defendants, when Anderson produced three pairs of goggles, two other pairs being found on Sullivan by P.C. Gillett. The defendants stated that the goggles were given them by a man.

Supt. Wright stated that nothing was known against Wright and Slade, but it had been found that Murphy had been previously convicted for stealing £1 16s. 10d. in 1920. He had also been sent to an Industrial School, and was discharged from there in 1922.

One of the defendants told the Bench they were all three sorry for what they had done; they had been in prison since Monday and they hoped the Bench would deal leniently with them.

After consultation the Chairman said all three defendants would be dealt with alike; they would go to prison for 14 days with hard labour.

4th June 1926 - Occasional Court

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Occasional Court

A Smart Capture

At an Occasional Court, presided over by Capt. H.H. Williams, on Tuesday, three Shoreditch men, Frank Anderson (21), Richard Jones (19), and John Sullivan (19), all of Beaconsfield Road, Shoreditch, were remanded in custody until today (Friday) for stealing five pairs of motor goggles, value 2/- each, the property of the Herts County Council.

Sergt. Dean stated that on Monday, 31st May, he was on duty when he received information that five pairs of motor goggles had been stolen between Buntingford and Standon. He went towards Standon, and saw three men lying on the grass.

He told them he was a police officer, and that he was making enquiries about some stolen goggles. He started to search the defendants, when Anderson produced three pairs of goggles, two other pairs being found on Sullivan by P.C. Gillett. The defendants stated that goggles were given them by a man.

Supt. Wright asked for a remand until Friday, and this was granted, as stated. One of the defendants refused to have his finger prints taken, and the Supt. made application to the Chairman for a request to be made to the Governor of Brixton Prison for the finger prints to be taken. The application was granted.

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Read the Petty Sessions report dealing with this case a week later.

19th Nov 1926 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

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[Content warning - The last two cases in this article are a case of domestic abuse caused by PTSD, and a case of indecent assault against a child. I have marked both with (content warning) next to their respective titles.]

Buntingford Petty Sessions

Friday last, before Col. Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis (Chairman), Mrs K.J. Dimsdale, Capt. H.H. Williams, Mr H.C. Marshall and Mr Claud Fraser.

POOR RATES

Poor Rates were signed for six parishes as follows: Rushden 5/4 in the pound, Cottered 5/4, Buckland 5/-, Westmill 5/-, Layston 5/- and 3d. lighting rate, and Aspenden 5/-.

LICENSING

Mr H.S. Buckley applied on behalf of Messrs. Barclay Perkins & Co., for permission to make certain structural alterations to "The Angel" Inn, Buntingford. He submitted plans.

Supt. Wright said the whole thing was an improvement, and the Bench granted the application.

A full transfer was granted of the licence of "The Chequers" Buntingford, from Alfred Bardwell to William James Burnell; also the licence of "The Golden Fleece," Braughing, from Frederick Warr to Frank Cole; and of "The Jolly Butchers," Hare Street, from William Choldcroft to William Baker. Mr Choldcroft has been landlord of "The Jolly Butchers" for 36 years.

APPLICATION FOR POSSESSION OF COTTAGE

Mrs Lilian Edis, of Baldock Road, Buntingford, applied for possession of a cottage, tenanted by Mr William Smith, which she said she required for the storage of furniture. She made a lengthy statement in a very excited manner, and said she had only 13s. 6d. a week to live upon, and had to pay rates and taxes, and then went on to say, "please let me have my cottage so that I can live. I want to live and I have a right to live."

The Chairman said the case had been heard previously at that Court and adjudicated upon, and the Bench could not help her at all. He showed that the law had been complied with, and advised her to seek legal advice.

MOTOR CAR DRIVER FINED FOR REFUSING TO STOP

Leonard Harold Johns 930), motor driver, of 28, Boland Street, Battersea Park, who did not appear, was summoned for refusing to stop when requested by a police officer in uniform.

P.C. Gillett [? piece torn out] on September 25th he was on duty [?] High Street, Buntingford, near the police station and saw a motor car coming from the direction of Puckeridge, pass three other cars travelling in the same direction with a distance of between three and four hundred yards. 

He put up his hand for the defendant to stop, but he looked at witness and went on. Witnessed telephoned Royston for the defendant to be stopped, but the car was not seen. It was, however, traced to London and the drive seen.

The Bench had received a letter from the defendant, in which he denied driving at excessive speed, and said he never saw the police officer or he should have stopped immediately.

P.C. Gillett said Johns was driving at the rate of 40 miles an hour, and that he looked right at him (witness) and saw him quite clearly. A find of £5 including cost was imposed.

NO LIGHT TO BICYCLE AT BUNTINGFORD

Alfred Wiber (25), a clerk, residing at Chipping, was summoned for riding a bicycle without a light at Buntingford on October 27th. The defendant did not appear.

P.C. Gillett said he was on duty at Buntingford on October 27th at 9.55 p.m. and saw the defendant riding a bicycle from the direction of Puckeridge and on his way to Chipping. He had no lamps. Witness stopped him and took his name and address, and said by having no light he was dangerous to himself and others. The defendant was cheeky when the summons was served.

The Chairman said it was a bad case. The defendant had not appeared to answer the charge, and would be fined £2.

DRUNK IN CHARGE OF A HORSE

John Anthony (50), a farm labourer, of Reed, who did not appear, was summoned for being drunk in charge of a horse at Buntingford on October 21st.

Stanley Sell said he was coming home from work on October 21st, at 5 p.m., and saw a man at Sandon cross roads leading a horse that was running from one side of the road to the other. The man fell over. There was a deal of traffic on the road, and Sergt. Dean took charge of the horse.

Sergt. Dean said at 6 p.m. on the date named he saw defendant leading a horse near Corney Bury, Buntingford. He was drunk and staggering all over the road. There were several motors on the road and one touched the horse and knocked the man down. He took the man to the police station, and released him from custody on bail at 10.45 p.m. The man never disputed being drunk. A letter was received from the defendant stating he was not drunk.

P.C. Whyman, who saw the defendant at the police station, said he was drunk and smelt strongly of drink. He never asked to see a doctor.

Mrs Anthony said her husband did not arrive home till nearly 12 p.m. He was a good husband, and had a good army character. He had had nothing to eat that day since breakfast, and only had one pint of beer. For six years he had had no beer.

Sergt. Dean said when the man was released he said if he had a pint of beer it would turn him silly.

The Chairman in fining the defendant 50/-, said the Bench had taken a lenient view. As a point of beer had such an effect upon him, he had better absolutely stop taking it altogether.

APPLICATION OF ARMY PENSIONER'S WIFE (content warning)

A woman came for counsel to the Bench as she was in bodily fear of her husband, an army pensioner.

Dr Fell said the man joined the Army and was shell shocked. That so upset his mind that he had tried to commit suicide. He was detained for a time, and seeming better, came home. He was, however, subject to outbursts of temper and passion, though perfectly rational when witness talked to him.

When he got moody he had violent attacks of passion and frightened his wife. He was quite a nice fellow, and this was the fag end of a mental disarrangement due to shell shock. He advised that he should go back for treatment at Sidcup Hospital for at least six months.

The applicant who seemed much distressed, said for the children's sake she was absolutely in favour of Dr Fell's suggestion, and it was left to him to make arrangements.

INDECENT ASSAULT AT BROADFIELD (content warning)

Harry Hills, (26), a greengrocer, of 51, Stanmore Road, Stevenage was summoned for indecently assulting a child of 8 and a half years of age, at Broadfield on October 16th. He was defended by Mr W.C. Brignall, solicitor, of Stevenage, and pleaded not guilty. The case occupied the Court a considerable time.

Evidence for the prosecution was given by the parents, the little girl, Nurse Tunwell, who examined the child the evening after the assault, Walter John Hurry and his brother, Frank Edward Hurry, and P.S. Dean.

For the defence, Dr Grosvenor, of Stevenage, and Mr George Walter Griffin, of Hitchen, spoke in the highest terms of the defendant's character, and the defendant gave evidence stating he never touched the child in any way.

His wife spoke of his return home on the day at 4 p.m., and the solicitor urged there was no corroboration and the evidence was not enough to commit the defendant.

The Bench retired, and on returning into Court the Chairman said they were agreed on a verdict of guilty.

Supt. Wright said the defendant led a respectable life and his associates were respectable. Since these proceedings were taken two other complaints had been received of similar offences committed by the defendant during the past three months.

In sentencing Hills to six months' hard labour, the Chairman said it was a dastardly and abominable crime committed on a child only eight years old.

27th Jan 1928 - Cumberlow Green, Funeral of Mrs Borlase

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Cumberlow Green

Funeral of Mrs Borlase

The funeral of Mrs Borlase, whose death we announced last week, took place at Rushden Church on Sunday afternoon last, the service being conducted by the Rev. E.F. Circuit.

The immediate mourners were: Mr G. Borlase (husband), Messrs Sydney and Bert Borlase (sons), and Mr Paul (brother).

Amongst those present were: Mr Holmes (Letchworth), Mr F. Radford (Bassingbourn), Mr E.J. Marshall, Mr and Mrs Bowman (Baldock), Mr and Mrs T. Bennett, Mrs Chalmers, Mr Griggs, Messrs W. Robinson, E. Marshall, L. Cannon, G. Cannon, T.J. Stick, P. Dudley, P. Hamilton, G. Scarborough Taylor, T. Kingsley, G.H. Maughan, B.E. Thody, J. Coleman, C.S. Knowles, W. French, N.J. Treise, O.F. Austin, P. Sergt. Dean and P.C. Ives.

Mr Borlase is a Cornishman, and before coming to live at Cumberlow Green, farmed extensively at Trelissick, St. Ewe, Cornwall.

[Transcriber note - In the first two reports of her death the surname is spelled "Borlace". I've kept both spellings in the tags.]

Death announcement for Elizabeth Borlace (Borlase).

Report on the death of Elizabeth Borlace (Borlase).

12th Feb 1926 - Police Changes

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Police Changes

Police-Sergt. Dean, of Watford, has been transferred to Buntingford, where he takes over duty from Sergt. F. Wright, who retired from the force on January 30th. Sergt. Dean has been stationed at Watford for 7 years.