From the Kent and Sussex Courier, 22 July 1874.

Charge of Rape.

Alfred Thompson, a carpenter, was charged with committing a rape on Lucy Penticost, at the "Woodmans Arms," Frant Road, Tunbridge Wells, on the 16th inst.

The case was remanded to Tuesday, and on that day it was remanded until Thursday, in order that Mr. Burton, solicitor, might appear on behalf of the accused.

From the Kent and Sussex Courier, 24 July 1874.

The Alleged Rape Case.

Alfred Thompsett was charged, on remand, with faloniously assaulting and committing a rape on a young girl, 14 years of age, named Lucy Pentecost, at the "Woodmans Arms."

Mr. Burton, solicitor, now defending Thompsettn, and pleaded not guilty. He cross-examine the girl at some length.

Mr. W. Howells Rix, surgeon, was called, and stated the result of his examination of the girl and her clothing, which did not go precisely to show that a rape had been committed.

Mrs. Lydia Gabriel, a widow, said the girl complained to her that the prisoner had assaulted her, and she told her to tell her mistress.

Martha Pentecost, the mother, who lives at Hawkenbury, also stated what the girl had told her, and detailed some conversation she had with a prisoner; and P.C. Mallion deposed to apprehending the prisoner, who denied the charge.

Mr. Burton submitted that the evidence only showed that an attempt had been made upon the girl, because the surgeon could not find any marks of violence. Although the prisoner denied stoutly that anything of the kind had taken place, he's (Mr. Burton) could not believe that the girls statement was partially correct.

He made a powerful appeal to the Bench on the probabilities of the case.

The prisoner was committed for trial to the Sussex Assizes, and admitted to bail, himself in £50 and two series of £50 each.