Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser, 12 December 1901.

HUNTON. A CASE DISMISSED.

At the Malling Sessions on Monday, Harry H. Gilbert was summoned for selling beer without a licence, at the "Prince Albert," on November 14th.

Mr. Bracher defended.

Sargent Deeley depose that on the day in question he visited the house at 8.30 a.m. and saw some men drinking, and the defendant was serving them. Witness saw money being passed in payment. Witness called defendant into another room, and asked how it was he was selling without a licence. Defendant said that he was acting as manager, for Mr. Hodsell, the late tenant. Witness ordered him to close the house.

Superintendent Hoare said that the last time the licence was transferred it was given to Mr. Hodcell.
By Mr. Bracher: If an offence has been committed against a Licensing Act Mr. Hodsell would have been liable.

Mr. Bracher, in his address to the Bench, said the defendant was living in the house, and so was really the tenant, as there could only be one occupier. Defendant was not in any way trying to avoid the law.

The Bench considered that there was an absence of intention on the part of the defendant, and the case would be dismissed on the payment of the costs. There would be nothing to prejudice the defendant when he appeared for the transfer of the licence.

Mr. Bracher then applied for the transfer of the licence from Mr. Hodsell to defendant.

This was granted.