From the Dover Express and East Kent News, 7 May, 1909.

WINGHAM PETTY SESSIONS

FOOLISH THEFT

The Wingham Petty Sessions were held at Wingham yesterday morning, before H. F. Plumtre Esq. (in the chair), Sir A. N. Wollaston, Sir James Lyall, the Rev. S. G. H. Sargent, Maj. General Lloyd, and H. W. Plumptree, and A. W. Fleebrace, Esq.

Harry Andrews, crter, was charged with stealing from Solson Farm, Eastry, on 10th April, one coupling bat, value 2/6, the property of Lewis Petman.

Lewis Petman, farmer, of Eastry, stated that on the 10th April his man reported to him that a coupling bat was missing from the field where he had been working that morning. Witness informed the police, and subsequently the bat was found in the possession of the defendant Andrews. Its value was 2/6.

Arthur Howard, labourer, in the employ of Mr. Petman, corroborated.

P.C. Butler, stationed at Eastry, deposed that from information received about 2.15 p.m. on April 10th, he cycled to the "Red Lion," Stonar. Outside he saw a horse and waggon, and looked into it he saw the coupling bat, now produced. The defendant came out of the "Red Lion," and in reply to witness, said he was in charge of the waggon. Witness then informed him that he was making enquiries about a coupling bat that had been stolen from Solson Farm, Eastry. The defendant said he knew nothing about it, but afterwards turned to his waggon and taking out a coupling bat, said, "Is that it?" Witness replied that it was similar to the one stolen, and the defendant then said, "I saw it lying on the roadside and picked it up and threw it in my waggon as I thought it would come in useful." He charged him and brought him to Sandwich Police Station.

The defendant said he had a sudden temptation, and he was very sorry for what he had done.

A fine of 10s., or in default 7 days, was inflicted.