From the Maidstone Telegraph, Rochester and Chatham Gazette, Saturday 16 March 1861.

Highway Robbery at Dartford.

Daniel Stratford, John Head, Richard Head, and George Usher, described as labourers, were charged was stealing 18s. 9d. from the person of George West, labourer.

It appeared from the evidence adduced that prisoners and prosecutor were, on the evening of 10th February in a beer shop at Dartford, called the "Bricklayers Arms." Shortly after the prosecutor entered, the prisoners came in, and upon their representing themselves as being in distress, prosecutor and others made a collection for them and treated them with some beer. Prosecutors left about 6 o'clock and started for Crayford. Shortly after the prisoners left the beerhouse, overtook prosecutor, tripped him up and whilst he was lying on the ground robbed him of his money.

Stratford, who was admitted as Queen's evidence, deposed to the above facts.

Mr. Ribton, in his defence for the prisoners, contended that the testimony of Stratford could not be relied and the jury acquitted the prisoners.