Sheerness Guardian, 7 April, 1860.

POLICE CASES.

(At the Public Rooms, Sittingbourne, before J. D. Dyke, Esq., Monday Marsh 26th.)

William Baker, seaman at H. M. Ship "Forte," was charged with stealing from inside the shop of Mr. Henry Woolf, of Sheerness, four silver watches, value £14, on Sunday evening the 25th of March.

Henry Woolf, deposed that about 9 o’clock on the evening in question, he missed four silver watches, which were safe in his window at six o’clock. He immediately gave information to Sergeant Ovenden, K.C.C. The four watches produced by the police were those he lost.

John Broad, eating-house keeper, deposed that on the same evening the prisoner came to his shop at about 9 o’clock, and asked him to buy a watch, he took it and showed it to Mr. Woolf who identified it. He afterwards gave it to the police.

Henry Brooks, labourer, deposed that about 8 1/2 o’clock on the same evening, he saw the prisoner fighting with another seaman, at the "Nelson" public-house, Sheerness. In the scuffle he dropped his purse. He (witness) picked it up and gave it to him when he said he would make witness a handsome present for his honesty. He then gave him a watch. Witness afterwards went to the "Star" public-house where he was about to sell the watch to a person named Watson, for 8s. and a pot of beer, when Police-constable Foord came in and took possession of the watch.

Bridget Russell, deposed that about 8 1/2 o'clock on the same evening she was at the "Nelson" public-house. The prisoner came in. She had been in his company before. He fought with another seaman, but before doing so handed her a watch and asked her to hold it while he fought. About 11 o'clock the same night, Sergeant Ovenden asked her for it and she gave it to him.

Sergeant Ovenden, deposed that about 9 o'clock, he apprehended the prisoner at a cook shop in Blue Town. Prisoner said he would not be searched nor go to the station. Witness caught hold of him, when a struggle ensued. Prisoner made a desperate resistance, but two other constables came to his assistance and he was then carried to the station. Witness searched him and found a watch in his trousers' pocket. He also received a watch from the witness Broad and another from the witness Russell, (which were now produced).

The usual caution was then read to the prisoner and on being asked what he had to say, he stated that he bought the watches from some Militia-men, at about 8 o’clock and gave 7s. each for three of them and 9s. for the fourth. Prisoner was then committed to take his trial at the Quarter Sessions at St. Augustine’s on Tuesday April 3rd, on which day he was placed at the bar on the aforesaid charge. Mr. Russell was for the prosecution. The prisoner conducted his own defence. The whole of the evidence given above, having been related, the chairman briefly summed up, and the jury after a short deliberation, found the prisoner guilty, and he was sentenced to six months hard labour. The chairman afterwards censured Mr. Woolf for leaving his premises unprotected and thus placing temptation in the way of the evil-disposed.

Sheerness Guardian, 26 May, 1860.

Transfer of Licenses.

On Monday last, the license of the "Crown and Anchor Inn," at Sheerness, was transferred to Mr. Bartlett, and that of the "Lord Nelson" to Mr. Goatham.