Folkestone Chronicle 18-8-1855. Transcribed by Jan Pedersen

Saturday August 11th:- Before W. Bateman Esq. and James Kelcey Esq.

Charles Wapsher and James Gorham were charged with stealing one half sovereign and some silver from the person of Henry Underdown.

Henry Underdown stated that on Thursday night last, between the hours of 11 and 12, I was going home from Mr. Cox's at the "Gun" public house, to my home, New Zealand, in Folkestone. The prisoner Wapsher stopped me on the road, knocked me down, and took from me a half sovereign and some silver, about 8 shillings. When I was knocked down I called out for assistance, no-one came near but the other prisoner, Gorham, and another man who I do not know. Wapsher took the money from me and also a tobacco box. James Gorham, when he came up to me, put his arms round my neck, which he squeezed so tightly and forced me against the ground that I could not call out. The three men went away, and left me on the ground. I followed them down Tontine Street, and I met two policemen, and asked them to assist me in finding the two prisoners, but they did not find them, and I did not see the prisoners afterwards. The next morning I went with policeman Barry to a house in Mill Bay, where we found the prisoner Wapsher. I knew him at once, and he is the same person who knocked me down and took the money from me. I saw the other prisoner, James Gorham, last night, as I was walking down the street. I knew he was the same person who held me down, whilst Wapsher took the money from me. I knew the prisoners by sight before I was robbed. The prisoners were committed for trial.

From the Folkestone Chronicle 3 may 1856. Transcribed by Jan Pedersen.

Wednesday April 30th :- Before James Tolputt esq., Mayor, William Major esq., Gilbert Kennicott esq., and Stephen Godden esq.

Thomas Cocks, landlord of the "Gun" public house, Cheriton Road, was summoned at the instance of police constable Lewis for keeping his house open at improper hours.

William Lewis, police constable – At half past 11 last Saturday night I found between 40 and 50 people drinking in defendant's house. There was also a good deal of drink standing about. Defendant was drawing beer. I told him it was past time. He said his clock was stopped. I referred to his clock which was 25 minutes past 11. I believe the clock was stopped when I was there.

Richard Kennett – I went in about 20 minutes past 9 last Saturday night, and stopped about 20 minutes and went away. The clock was stopped when I went in. I knew that by the pendulum being stopped. One of the men started it while I was sitting there.

Cross-examined by Steer – I am in the habit of going to the defendant's house. I am not in the habit of getting beer from the defendant's house on a Sunday.

Convicted in the penalty of 5s. and 8s 6d costs.