From the Whitstable Times, 20 December, 1902.

At the Police Court on Friday, before Mr. D. Amos (in the chair), Mr. G. J. Drury, Mr. W. Nettersclift, and Mr. E. G. Stead, Mr. Arrowsmith (Messrs. Kingsford and Co.), appeared on behalf of Messrs. Rigden and Co., brewers, in reference to proposed alterations at the “Little Rose Inn,” King Street, a, common lodging house which it is proposed to convert into a licensed house. Plans were put in.

Mr. G. Wiltshire, builder, applied on behalf of Messrs. Ash and Co. as to alterations at the “Dane John Tavern,” and put in plans.

Mr. W. J. Jennings, architects, handed in plans for the re-building of the “Bat and Ball,” Old Dover road, and explained them.

The Chairman said that in view of the alterations which were coming into force they deemed it undesirable to deal with any of these applications at the present time.

Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 24 January 1942.

Canterbury licensee on receiving charge.

Soldiers evidence of petrol left at public house.

Accused denials.

Evidence that Army petrol had been taken to Canterbury licensed premises was given by two soldiers at Canterbury Police Court on Friday when Percival Whitehead, "Dane John Tavern," Watling Street, Canterbury, appeared on remand on a charge of receiving 26 gallons of petrol well-knowing it to have been stolen.

When Whitehead first appeared before the court he elected, through his solicitor, Mr. H. W. S. Homewood, to be tried by jury.

The evidence was taken on Friday.

Sergeant-Major E. S. Cozens, R.A.S.C. stated that a check of vehicles on October 7th revealed that 26 gallons of petrol were missing. Some was in 4 gallon containers and the rest had been siphoned from tanks.

A container was produced, and witness said it was similar to the ones used by his unit, but, in reply to Mr. Homewood, witness said he could not swear that the container came from his unit.

Before the next two witnesses gave evidence, Inspector Port said that these men have been dealt with and they, therefore, had no fear of incriminating themselves.

Driver R. G. Gonderton, R.A.S.C. said towards the end of August last year, Whitehead asked him if he could get him any water (meaning petrol) and if so in what quantities. Arrangements were made that he should get what petrol he could and take it to Whitehead for sale at two shillings a gallon. He did not take any petrol to prisoner at the time, but in the early part of October he managed to get about 26 gallons from the unit where he was stationed. He took it in Army containers in an Army staff car to the "Dane John Tavern." Driver Cox accompanied witness on the journey and it was after 10 p.m. Whitehead answered the knock on the back door and witness told him he had bought some petrol. Whitehead replied "Bring it in." The Army car was in the cul-de-sac leading to the back door, and the petrol was unloaded, and taken inside and placed in a small lean-to in the backyard. Whitehead called them inside, gave them each a pint of beer and about £3 2s. 6d. for the petrol. Witnesses not seen Whitehead since.

Driver C. J. Cox R.A.S.C. said that when he left his unit he did not know he was going to the "Dane John Tavern." He did know by the time he arrived. Before the petrol was unloaded, witness walked to the end of the cul-de-sac to keep watch.

Detective Sergeant Webb stated that on December 15th he went with detective Constable Soutan to the "Dane John Tavern. He had a search warrant, and when he told Whitehead the reason of the visit he said "This looks as if it might be serious but you can search where you like, but you will find no petrol." On making a search witness found the petrol can (produced) in the cellar. Asked to explain how it came to be in his possession, Whitehead replied "I have had it for a long time, I keep it for wood." Questioned as to whether he had a car Whitehead said he had and that he garaged it at the Langton Garage but it was not in use as he had no petrol. Witness found that there was petrol in the tank of the car. When told of the warrant for his arrest, Whitehead said "I don't understand." When charged, Whitehead said "It is absolutely false."
In cross examination, witness said the proprietor of the garage told him he had cans in his garage similar to the one produced in court, but he did not say he had given this one to Whitehead.

Answering the Bench, Sergeant Webb stated that Whitehead's car was licensed.

This was the case for the prosecution.

Mr. Homewood said his client wished it to be placed on record that he knew nothing whatever about the charge.

Sidney P. Godden, a motor mechanic, Langton Garage, residing at 88, Old Dover Road, Canterbury, who was called by the defence, said that when the police and Whitehead visited the Garage, Whitehead remarked "You remember this can don't you, Sid?" (pointing to the one which Sergeant Webb was carrying.) Witness did not examine it but it was the same as one which he had given Whitehead.

Witness said he recognise the can as the actual one by certain marks.

Under cross-examination by Inspector Port, witness said he could not be absolutely certain about the can.

Whitehead, who reserved his defence, was granted an extension of his bail, pending the hearing of the charge by the jury.

Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 28 February 1942.

Licensee again remanded. On receiving charge.

Percival Whitehead, licensee of the "Dane John Tavern," Watling Street, Canterbury, appeared on remand at Canterbury Police Court on Tuesday on a charge of receiving 26 gallons of petrol, the property of the King, well knowing the same to have been stolen.

Mr. H. W. S. Holmewood appeared for Whitehead, who had at the previous Court elected to be tried by a jury.

The Chief Constable (Mr. G. T. Hall,) applying for a further remand, said that at present time witnesses were not obtainable as they were away from the city.

Mr. Homewood said that actually accused did not like the charge hanging over his head, but no objection would be taken to a further remand.

Accused was remanded till January 16th, bio being allowed as before.

Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 27 December 1942.

Canterbury licensee not guilty.

Percival Whitehead, licensee of the "Dane John Tavern," Watling Street, Canterbury, who had elected to be tried by a jury on a charge alleging that he received 26 gallons of War Department petrol knowing the same to have been stolen, was found not guilty at Kent and sizes on Wednesday, and he was discharged.