From the Maidstone Telegraph, Saturday 1 January, 1859. Price 1d.

MAIDSTONE PETTY SESSIONS

Henry Briscoe, beer house keeper, St Faith Street, was charged with having on the night of the 16th inst., kept his house open for the sale of beer after eleven o'clock.

Police-constable Goble said, that on the night in question about a quarter before twelve o'clock, while on duty in Week Street, he received information that the defendant's house was open, he proceeded thither, and on gaining admittance he saw seven persons in the tap-room, but only one of them drinking; all of them appeared to be quite sober.

Defendant said the beer was drawn before eleven o'clock and he was not aware of the time until the constable arrived, it then being only twenty minutes past 11 o'clock.

John Parks, a lodger of the defendant, was called, and also George Fletcher; both witnesses corroborating the defendant's statement.

Superintendent Blundell said he should not have complained in this instance, had the defendant been civil to the constables on previous occasions when they visited the house; and there was an impression abroad that it was the duty of the police to clear their houses for them, but he (the Superintendent) would submit that it was the duty of the landlords to clear their own houses, and in the event of their not succeeding, it would then be for them to call in the aid of the police.

The Chairman said they did not feel disposed to deal severely with the defendant, it being the first offence, but should fine him 10s. and 11s. costs, and observed that it was the duty of the defendant to have cleared his house at the time specified in the Act of Parliament, and not the duty of the police; but if necessary, a constable could be called in, however, he hoped he would take it in a proper spirit, in which the magistrates had tried the case, and that in future there would be complaint.

The fine was paid.

From the Maidstone Telegraph, Rochester and Chatham Gazette, 12 October 1861.

Charge of Felony.

Thursday. Before Thomas Franklin, Esq.

Henry Charles Stratton, 24, Tailor, single, with no residence, was brought up by detective Hills, charged with stealing from a bedroom at the "Grey Hound" beer house, St. Faiths Street, on Wednesday morning, a black coat and trousers, and a grey vest, the property of George Fuller, of Boxley, of the value of 25 s.

It appeared that the prisoner lodged that at the above house the night previous, and had stolen the articles in question. Information having been given to Superintendent Blundell, at about 9 in the morning, he immediately dispatched Detective Hills to Chatham, and succeeded in apprehending the prisoner, and brought him back to the police station at Maidstone in the evening.

On the application of the Superintendent the prisoner was remanded till Tuesday.

From the Maidstone Telegraph, Rochester and Chatham Gazette, 19 October 1861.

Henry Charles Stratton, labourer, also pleaded guilty to stealing a quantity of clothing, the property of George Fuller, from the "Greyhound," St. Faiths Street, Maidstone.

Three months' hard labour.