Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 16 July 1870.

ALLEGED MISCHIEVOUS CONDUCT.

A singularly brutal case of assault upon a woman came under the notice of the magistrates at the Petty Sessions on Tuesday, and the perpetrator of it narrowly escaped a far higher charge than that brought against him, as a very little more violence on his part might, according to the medical testimony, have terminated his victim's life. The prisoner was Philip Town, waggoner to Mr. Dean, of Biddenden. On Thursday he was sent to Bethersden with a load of stone, and remained drinking at the "Bull Inn" all day, and his mate at length went home with the waggon. The woman, who is a hawker, named Ann Gadd, came into the "Bull" while he was there, and he plied her with drink until she became somewhat intoxicated. She then went out of the house, with the intention of proceeding to Ashford. She was followed by the prisoner, who pursued her with certain solicitations, and when she refused him he struck her a terrible blow in the face with his fist, knocked her down, and then kicked her violently as she lay on her head and body. There were several cuts from the steel tips of the prisoner’s heavy boots in different parts of her head, especially behind her ears, when she was examined by Mr. Underhill, surgeon; but, singular to say, her skull was not fractured. She was, however, quite unconscious when the prisoner was made to desist from beating her by some men who were called upon by the wives of some villagers to interfere. These women he pursued with much fury when they came near him as he was knocking the woman about. As her state was critical, she was taken to the Union by the Bethersden policeman, and she was now able to attend and give evidence, although she presented a shocking appearance.

The prisoner had no defence whatever to make, but a general good character was given of him. He was committed for three months' hard labour.

A letter was read from the Guardians of the West Ashford Union, complaining of the Bethersden policeman for bringing the woman there, as they considered she ought to have been left at the public-house where the drink was supplied. The Magistrates exonerated the policeman from all blame.