From the Folkestone Observer 11 July, 1863. Transcribed by Jan Pedersen.

QUARTER SESSIONS STEALING TOBACCO

Wednesday July 8th:- Before J.J. Lonsdale, Esq.

George Downer, 24, and Francis Pollington, 20, artillerymen, 9th Brigade, quartered at Shorncliffe, were charged with stealing on the 13th of April last a half pound of shag tobacco, and a half pound of Cavendish tobacco, the property of Charles Barton. Both prisoners pleaded Not Guilty.

Charles Barton, hairdresser, Kingsbridge Street, deposed that the prisoners came into his shop together about half past ten at night on the 13th of April, and each asked for a half pound of tobacco. One of the half pounds was served in a bill of Morrison's Pills. After they were served with the tobacco they ran out of the shop, and he (prosecutor) pursued them to the Lower Sandgate Road, but then he was obliged to leave them as his shop was unattended. He returned and closed his shop, and gave information to P.C. Smith. While giving the information he saw two men, in the same uniform as those who had robbed him, come down Tontine Street and go into the "Clarendon Hotel." He next saw the tobacco on the following morning when before the magistrates. P.C. Smith being sworn produced some tobacco which he took from the prisoners. Prosecutor identified the paper in which it was wrapped. The price of one of the half pounds was 2s 8d; of the other, 2s.

Cross-examined by Pollington, prosecutor said he thought the order for half a pound of tobacco at that time of night was unusual – the purchase by soldiers was usually half an ounce. He therefore took especial notice of them. Prisoners were so far gone that he was afraid they would go through the window.

Cross-examined by Downer: He saw both prisoners at his shop door at quarter to eleven, and he (Downer) said good night to him, and asked for half an ounce of tobacco. He said he would not serve any more that night, as two soldiers had already robbed him. He did not apprehend them, because they were two together, and no policeman was near. At the request of Downer he went behind the counter and got a piece of Cavendish and gave him. He did this because he wanted to shut his door and follow them. Pollington asked him if he could swear to the men. He replied that perhaps he could swear to them. He followed them to the bottom of High Street. If they had not come back a second time he should have let the tobacco go.

P.C. Smith, on the 13th April, received information from Barton of the felony, and while so receiving information the two prisoners went into the "Clarendon." He went into the hotel, and met Pollington on the doorstep coming out, and he asked him what was up, and persuaded him to go back with him to settle a little affair about a quart of ale which he had had, and refused to pay for. As Pollington went back he saw that he had some tobacco projecting from under his jacket. While talking to Pollington at the bar, he put his hand in his breast and pulled out the tobacco produced, and said “Here, old fellow”. It was the shag tobacco that he pulled out. As soon as he had done that Downer took the Cavendish out from his jacket and handed it to him. Witness asked where they got it, and they both said “From a little shop round here”. He then said to them “Well, you must come along with me”, and took them into custody. Downer said “I suppose you know all about it”. Did not remember saying before the magistrates that they said “We stole it from a shop round the corner”.

Cross-examined by Pollington: Did not. When he came into the hotel, put his hand on his (Pollington's) shoulder and ask him where he got the tobacco. He (prisoner) deliberately put his hand in his breast and pulled it out.

Cross-examined by Downer: Did not ask him if he had any tobacco. Nor did he say “Some tobacco has been lost, and you must be the men who took it”.

This being the case for the prosecution, Pollington said in his defence that he left Sandgate on the night of the 13th of April at about 10 o'clock, and came into Folkestone with Downer about a quarter to 11. He was going to a certain house in Folkestone – a private house, and passed prosecutor's shop, and on asking prosecutor for half ounce tobacco he told him he would not serve any more that night, as he had been robbed by two men of the ninth Brigade, and in reply to an enquiry as to whether he should know the men again, he said he should not. They then went on, and Downer said he had a two shilling piece and he would stand a pot, and they then went to the "Clarendon," but when they got there and had had the beer Downer had lost his two shilling piece.

Downer's defence was similar.

The Recorder then summed up to the jury, who after a short retirement found the prisoners Guilty.

The Recorder then sentenced them to three months' imprisonment each.

From the Folkestone Observer 22 October, 1864. Transcribed by Jan Pedersen.

VAGRANT

Thursday October 20th:- Before W. Bateman Esq., and Captain Kennicott, R.N.

Edward Williams, a gentlemanly looking man of about 32 years of age was charged under the Vagrancy Act with being found wandering abroad at night.

P.C. Ovenden said that about 12 o'clock last night his attention was called by several persons to the defendant, who was knocking at the door of Mr. Willis's herring-hang in Harbour Street, and calling out “Edith! Edith! Why don't you come out? Won't they let you out?” Witness told him no-one was living there, when he said “Just allow me to try once more”. He then knocked again. P.C. Reynolds, who came up, asked if he wanted a lodging, and if he should get him one. He replied “No. I am going to the railway station, to cross to Paris”. He then went in front of the "Clarendon Hotel" and stood there talking to himself. He then came up to witness and P.C. Reynolds and said “She is there, but they won't let her come out”. Then he accompanied witness up Dover Street, saying he should go away by the two o'clock train. At the station he offered a porter a 2s. piece to pay his fare to London. The porter said the fare was 13s., and he said it was an extortionate price, and he should take a Hansom. He left the station with witness, and when they reached Mr. Pope's earthenware shop, in Harbour Street, he looked down the cellar windows and called “Edith! Edith!”. He then went and knocked at the front door saying “Won't you come out?” or “Won't they let you come out?”. Witness told defendant he must not disturb people by knocking at the door. He left off for a few moments and then knocked again. Witness then brought the defendant to the station house. He came willingly. He did not appear to be the worse for drink, but perfectly sober. Defendant gave up to witness £4 0s. 3 1/2d., a knife, pair of gloves, and pocket handkerchief.

Defendant now stated he was a classical tutor, residing at 11, Barnsbury Villas, Islington, separated from his wife, and residing with his mother and sisters. Previous to P.C. Ovenden meeting with him he had seen his wife, and spoken to her, and he believed he had seen her go into the place where he had knocked. He denied that his mind had been, or was, affected, but he was subject to fits. He left home yesterday morning and did not intend to go on to Paris, but should remain a day or two in Folkestone.

The bench discharged the prisoner, but directed the Superintendent to keep him in observation, and Mr. Bateman at once wrote to his mother at the address given.