From the Kentish Gazette, 7 February 1865 Sittingbourne PS 1.bmp"

SITTINGBOURNE.

Petty Sessions, Yesterday. (Before E. Twopeny, Esq., the Rev. G. B. Moore, and Lieut.-Col. Dyke.)

Richard Cullen, a victualler living at Sheerness, was summoned for keeping open his house, during prohibited hours, on the 22nd ult.

Police constables Pink and Hasemore proved going to the "Crown," kept by the defendant, on the morning of the 22nd ult., about half-past one. They knocked, but received no answer. They pushed open the door and went into the bar parlour, where they found Captain Harper and a Mr. Harris with two glasses containing whiskey and water. Harris pressed them to have something to drink.

This was the evidence in support of the complaint, and Mr. Wates contended that the sale was not proved, and called John Sedgwick Harper, chief clerk in H. M. Dockyard and captain of the Dockyard Corps of Volunteer Artillery, who said that on the night in question a meeting had been held in connection with the corps at the "Crown." All the members left at 12 o’clock, but he, with Sergeant Harris, stayed behind to transact some business. He was quite positive no liquor was drawn after 12 o’clock.

After hearing this evidence, the Bench considered the sale not proved and dismissed the complaint.