South Eastern Gazette, 20 March, 1860.

KENT LENT ASSIZES.

The business of these Assizes commenced at the Coart-house, Maidstone, on Tuesday morning last; Mr. Justice Wightman presiding in the Crown Court, and Chief Justice Erle at Nisi Prius.

Robbery with, violence at Chatham.

Francis Carter, 43, a soldier in the 77th regiment stationed at Chatham, was indicted for stealing £2 2s. 6d. from the person of Ann Moore, with violence, on the 2nd November last, at Chatham. Mr. Barrow was for the prosecution.

The prosecutrix said that on the above day she was returning from the railway station at Strood, when she met some soldiers, with whom she went to the "Alhambra" beerhouse. The prisoner almost immediately afterwards came in, and partook of a quart of ale which prosecutrix had ordered. She took two sovereigns and half-a-crown from her bosom when about to pay for the ale, and while putting it back the change of one of the sovereigns fell on the floor; it was picked up by one of the soldiers, and given to her. She left about ten minutes after this, and went up the Military-road. When near the drawbridge, she saw the prisoner. He looked in her face, and then went behind her. After repeating this several times, he pushed her, and then knocked her down. Witness screamed out; but the prisoner threatened her if she did not desist, at the same time striking her under the jaw. While prosecutrix was on the ground she saw another soldier near, but could not distinguish him. The prisoner had a piece of ribbon on his breast, which witness tried to get during the struggle, but did not succeed. She could swear positively to the prisoner. After he had got her money he went away with the other soldier towards the "Army and Navy Hotel."

Prosecutrix followed, but could not overtake them. She, however, went to the guard-room and made a complaint, and next morning she went to the barracks, where she was shown a number of soldiers, and recognised the prisoner.

By the Judge:— She noticed the piece of ribbon on prisoner's breast at the beer-house.

The prisoner said the prosecutrix was in the habit of associating with soldiers, and getting drunk; and on the afternoon in question she was cautioned by a policeman. (Prosecutrix denied this).

Thos. Cavanagh, a private in the 77th regiment, said he went to the "Alhambra" in company with another soldier, named Pratt, and the prosecutrix. He did not see a sovereign drop on the floor. Pratt and witness left the "Alhambra" together, and went up High-street. Witness knew prisoner very well, but had never seen him wear a riband; he was not entitled to one. He saw the prosecutrix after the assault complained of, and she told him about it. She was not intoxicated.

James Pratt and John Robinson, also in the 77th, corroborated the previous witness’s evidence.

A sergeant in the 24th regiment said on the above night he was on duty with a piquet at Brompton, and took the prisoner into custody about 9 o’clock for being out without a pass. Prisoner was taken to the guard-room and searched, and the sum of 7s. 7d. was found upon him. While at the guard-room the prisoner said, "I dare say you think I have committed some robbery; I did not work for that money; some other poor ----- worked for it."

The prisoner denied that he was the man who committed the robbery, and was acquitted.

South Eastern Gazette 30 July 1861.

SIMPSON'S ROYAL ALHAMBRA MUSIC HALL, MILITARY ROAD, CHATHAM.

OPEN every evening for VOCAL and INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC, and all kinds of the best Novelties to be procured in England and from the Continent, besides the best available vocal talent from London and the provinces.

Parties from the country visiting Chatham are respectfully invited to pay a visit to the "Alhambra, where they will enjoy a good entertainment.

Refreshments of every kind, of the beet quality, at London prices.