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From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 10 February, 1871. Price 1d.
REMANDED CHARGE OF BURGLARY
The two men, Douglas Wood and George Edwin Wood, whose case had been
remanded on the previous day, were again brought up, and the evidence
was proceeded with.
Mr. Page said he wished to contradict a statement he had made I his
evidence on the previous day. He had stated that the gas was burning in
the hall when he first came down stairs; but, in all probability, owing
to the confused state of his mind, he had not particularly noticed
whether it was burning there or not, and hence the mistake.
Police-constable Chapman, whose evidence was proceeding on the previous
day when the case was remanded, now resumed his deposition: When I saw
the younger prisoner (Douglas) in Bench Street, in company with another
man, who went towards the Market Place, where the man was whistling. I
saw the man who was whistling cross the Market Place and join the
younger prisoner at the “Antwerp” corner, and they went up Cannon Street
together.
The prisoner Douglas Wood: I first saw you in Bench Street, near Mr.
Lukey’s. I afterwards followed you up. I was close enough to swear that
you joined the man who had been whistling.
By the elder prisoner: I can swear that the man who was whistling had
dark clothes on, and wore a felt hat. I followed him across the Market
and saw him join Douglas Wood and the other man at the “Antwerp” corner,
after which all of them went up Cannon Street.
Chapman here said that there had been a misapprehension of his evidence
on the previous day. The place where the elder prisoner first stopped
was about 2 or 3 feet from the place where the cruet was found, close to
the heap of bricks.
By the elder prisoner: I was about 10 or 12 yards behind you when I saw
you halt. I know how a portion of this property was found. I did not
find it myself; but I saw Sergeant Stevens pick it up.
Examination continued: The prisoner Douglas Wood was also at the
“Britannia Inn” when I apprehended the elder prisoner.
Francis Shipley: I keep the “Chance,” in Adrian Street. I have seen the
two prisoners before. I saw them on Wednesday night, at my house. It was
pretty near 12 o’clock. I was waiting up for some lodgers, and they did
not leave until two o’clock. They were together for some time. There
were three of them; but I do not know who the other man was.
By the elder prisoner: I had seen the other man before; but I had not
previously seen you. You were not drunk when you were in my house. I
drew you two quarts of ale. I did not see anything wrong going on
between you.
The prisoners, on being called on for their reply, denied that they were
guilty, and called the following witnesses.
Anne Marwick, examined by Douglas Wood, said: I reside in the “Britannia
Inn,” at Buckland. My husband’s name is Stephen Marwick. I remember the
day the soldiers went away. I remember your going to the cupboard. You
cut off a piece of pork. I saw you put some mustard on it, and I think
you gave some to George Edwin Wood. You had a piece of ham in your
pocket in a piece of paper.
By the Magistrates’ Clerk: The prisoner George Edwin Wood has been
staying at my house since Monday night. The prisoner Douglas Wood has
been lodging with me for 8 months. The prisoner did not both occupy the
same bedroom. I do not know who the bags belong to. The man who is not
here and the taller of the two prisoners (George Edwin Wood) brought the
bags in together.
The prisoner G. E. Wood then called Sarah Woodward, who was examined by
the Court, and said; I am a single woman. I have lodged there since
Wednesday night.
By the prisoner G. E. Wood: I remember the scarf produced. You leant it
me on Wednesday evening. I gave it you the next morning, when you were
wearing the handcuffs. I also buttoned up your coat, because you
complained of being cold. You asked me for tin in the presence of a
policeman. I slept in the next room to you. The two bags produced were
in the same room I slept in. they were on the table, and were not in any
way concealed. Anyone who went into the room could see them. You did not
come into my room during that night or the next morning. I do not know
whether the bags were locked or not.
By the Court: Another young man slept in the same room with me that
night; but I do not know his name. He remained with me all night.
By the Bench: I have lodged at the “Britannia” one or two nights before.
Police-constable George Ash, examined by the elder prisoner: I
apprehended you in a room on the left hand side, going up stairs, and I
partly searched you. I searched in the overcoat pocket and found what I
was looking for. I took the coat you have on now down stairs with me. I
also felt in the pockets of your other coat.
Examined by the younger prisoner: I found you asleep lying on the floor.
Your head might have been lying on the chair; but your body was on the
ground.
The Magistrates committed the prisoners to take their trial at the
Maidstone Assizes, to be held on the 13th of March.
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