Dover Chronicles 20 February 1847.

Inquest.

On the 10th instant J. Hinde, Esq., held an inquest at the "King's Head," on the Brook, Chatham, on the body of Thomas Joseph Reakes, ropemaker, who, it appeared by the evidence of Mr. Ely, died from convulsions produced by teething.

Southeastern Gazette, 15 March 1853.

Passing Counterfeit Coin at Chatham.

George Johnson, 21, was indicted for uttering a counterfeit half-crown, well knowing the same to be counterfeit, at Chatham. Also for uttering another half-crown, well knowing the same to be counterfeit, at Chatham.

Mr. M. Dawson and Mr. Deedes appeared for the prosecution.

George Kemp deposed that he was assistant to his brother, a grocer, at Chatham. On the 1st February the prisoner came into the shop, and in payment for some bread and butter he tendered a bad half-crown. Witness detected it, and gave it to prisoner back again, who said he had taken it in payment for shrimps. Had no doubt of the prisoner being the person.

Susannah Thomas, keeping a beer-house on the Military-road, Chatham, ("Two Brothers") a short distance from Mr. Kent’s, deposed that on the 1st February the prisoner came into her house between seven and eight o’clock, and in payment for half a pint of beer he tendered a bad half-crown. Prisoner drank the beer at the bar. She gave prisoner the change, and he went away. Directly afterwards she detected the coin as bad and gave it to George Clissold.

George Clissold deposed to receiving the half-crown produced from the last witness.

Thomas Church deposed that the prisoner came into his father’s shop at Chatham, on the 1st February, and tendered a bad half-crown in payment for some flour. Witness took it to his father, who detected it as bad, and questioned prisoner about it. Moody, the constable, was afterwards called in, when prisoner left the shop. The coin was given up to Moody.

Moody deposed to receiving the half-crown from Mr. Church, which he produced.

Superintending-constable Everist, Rochester division, deposed to apprehending the prisoner at the "King’s Head" lodging-house, Chatham. (Hopefully it's this house, Paul Skelton) On searching him he found in his possession, three shillings, one sixpence, and 8 3/4d. in coppers, all of which was good money.

Mr. Powell deposed to the coin produced being counterfeit, both of which were made in the same mould, and of the reign of George III.

The prisoner was found guilty, and for the first offence was sentenced to six months’ hard labour, and nine months’ for the second.