From the Deal, Walmer, and Sandwich Mercury, 7 August, 1869. 1d.

DRUNK AND DISORDERLY

James Spander, a waterman, was charged with being drunk and disorderly on the previous day at Lower Walmer.

P.C. Ralph deposed: I am one of the K.C.C. Yesterday forenoon, about a quarter before ten, I was in the street and saw the prisoner in the crossroad leading from the beach to the "Sir Colin Campbell" public-house. He was drunk and made use of beastly language. I told him to go indoors and go to sleep, and said if he did not do so I should take him into custody. I then went indoors, but had hardly got in before I was sent for by the prisoner's family, who stated that he was smashing the windows of their house. I then went to the back road, and there found the prisoner fighting with his brother, who had been persuading him to go home. I then took him into custody, but he was very violent and threw some more stones at the windows. I then threw him down to get some handcuffs on, but after I had done so he took out his knife and swore he would cut my throat. I thereupon drew my staff and told him if he did not put the knife away I would knock him down. The knife was not opened, and I do not think he intended to put the threat into execution.

Prisoner said he had no questions to ask, as there had already been enough lied told. He admitted he was drunk.

Mr. Clarke said that from all accounts the prisoner's character was not very good. He had fallen into the hands of the law, and was a great fool for his trouble. He could not make such a disturbance and not be punished, however, and the Bench therefore fined him £110s. 6d., and the costs 9s. 6d. - in all £2.

The Magistrates inquired whether he had got any goods to distain upon?

A respectable looking woman, who said she was sister to the prisoner, said he had not without distressing five little children, and she hoped for their sakes the Bench would deal as lightly as possible with him.

Prisoner said he could pay the money in a week; but Mr. Clarke said after the row he had kicked up he should be allowed no time, and if the money was not paid by the time the next train went he would have to go to prison for 21 days, with hard labour.