Morning Advertiser, Friday 11 October 1822.

An Inquest having been held at the "George Inn," Beckenham, in the county of Kent, before John Cartarr, Esq. Coroner, on the view of the body of a man found hanging - the person unknown.

He is about 5 ft 6 inches high, of a dark complexion, marked with the smallpox on the nose, and a small scar on his forehead; supposed to be about 3 and 36 years of age; had on when found a nut brown coat, with a velvet collar, and buttons of the same colour; striped waistcoat, patent cord breeches, cotton stockings, yellow silk and cotton chequered handkerchief; hat makers name "Jepsen and Travis."

October, 10th 1822.

Croydon Advertiser and East Surrey Reporter, Saturday 16 February 1889.

The Sequel to a Birthday Celebration. A Severe Sentence.

At the Bromley Petty Sessions on Monday, before Mr. R. V. Berens (in the chair,) Mr. Coles Child, Mr. Gerald Norman, and Lieutenant Colonel Coalville; Daniel Himberstone, a "lather," and an Army Reserve man, living at 1, Park Terrace, Mackenzie Road, Beckenham, was charged with stealing on the 6th inst. from the waistcoat pocket of Ernest Sprules, whilst drunk, a watch and chain, value £5 5s. at Lee Road Beckenham.

Prisoner was drunk when charged.

Ernest Sprules, of 37, Crescent Road, Lewisham, said he was a commercial traveller. On the 6 inst. he was going through Beckenham. He met the prisoner at the "George Hotel" and drank with him. Prosecutor then had his watch and chain in his possession. He (prosecutor) was the worse for liquor, as he had been celebrating his birthday. He left the "George" to walk home to Beckenham. As he was walking home somebody snatched his watch and chain out of his pocket. He could not say how far he has gone when that was done. The man who took it ran away, and prosecutor followed and called out loudly.

By Mr. Gregory: He was fined 2s. 6d. by Mr. Wilson the next morning for being drunk. He could not swear what time it was when he left the "George," but he left by himself.

Thomas Willis, 25, Burnhill Road, Fairfield, Beckenham, said he saw the prisoner and prosecutor together in the "Foresters Arms," Beckenham. They both seemed as if they had had a little drop. Prisoner persuaded the prosecutor to go outside with him. Witness followed and saw Sprules going from one side of the path to the other as he walked towards the "Greyhound." When near that house they saw the prisoner snatch the prosecutors watch and chain and run off up the Lea Road. Witness, together with other lads, pursued the prisoner, who fell down and was held until the police came up.

William Thatcher, of 2, Adelaide Terrace, corroborated the evidence given by the previous witness.

Prisoner pleaded guilty, and ask the Bench to deal with the case under the first offenders act. Prisoner had hitherto born a good character, having been in the army for 7 years. He had served abroad 3 years, had fought in Egypt and had received the Egyptian medal and bronze star. Mr. Gregory described the affair as a drunken freak.

After consultation with his colleagues, the Chairman said the bench was sorry they could not deal with the case as suggested by Mr. Gregory, and the prisoner would be sentenced to 2 months hard labour.

The prosecutor said he did not wish to press the charge so long as he got his watch and chain back.

The Chairman:- The Bench have decided now; you should have said so before.