From the Woolwich Gazette, Friday 14 November 1890.

DRINKING DURING PROHIBITED HOURS.

Richard Wait, 49, licensed hawker, of 7, Cannon Row, Woolwich, was charged on a warrant having failed to appear to a summons with being found on the premises of the "Bell" public house, Bell, Watergate, Woolwich, during prohibited hours, on Sunday, September 28th.

Inspector O'Shea said that at 8.20 in the morning of that day he saw the prisoner leaving the public-house wiping his mouth. He went over to him and took him back to the man at the door who said that the prisoner represented himself as a traveller, and said that he came from Greenwich. Witness took him into the bar and asked the young lady if she had served him. Before she could answer the prisoner said, "You refused to serve me didn't you Miss?" She then replied that she did refuse to serve him. The prisoner denied having been in the house at all and said the conversation never took place.

Phyllis Hollingum, barmaid at the public house, stated that she never saw the prisoner before the Inspector brought him to the bar.

P.C. Weeks, 26RR, stated that he saw the prisoner leave the public house along with three other men. He corroborated Inspector O'Shea's evidence as to the conversation with the barmaid.

Mr. Marsham fined the prisoner 10s., and 2s. costs.