From the Sussex Advertiser, Tuesday 19 July, 1859.

Frederick Waller, of the "Eagle Inn," Tonbridge, was charged with opening his house for the sale of beer last Saturday afternoon before 5 o'clock.

P. C. Hoper said he saw five persons in the front room of the house, and a pot of something on the table. Saw the father of the defendant's wife take a pot and glass from the table and take them along the passage. After about 7 minutes the door was open to him. On entering he saw the father of the defendant's wife draw something. Went and accused him of drawing beer, and he said it was cider. On going into the front room he found there had been cider in the glass on the table. A young man named Faircloth said he had had a pot of cider, but no beer had been drawn. Before going in he saw the defendant's wife's father pour out what appeared to him to be ale.

P.C. Thirkell spoke to the defendant's speaking to P.C. Hoper at the Foresters' festival. Defendant said he didn't mind what money he paid if he could keep the case from coming before the court.

Defendant made his statements, denying that any beer was drawn at an improper time, and stating that he was ill in bed when the policeman came to his house.

George Barrow, blacksmith, of Leigh, the father of the defendant's wife, said he lodged at defendant's house on Sundays, and the party there on the occasion was invited there by him from Leigh. Witness treated them with a glass of cider each. Bought a pot of cider of between two and three of his son, and kept it till his friends came.

Faircloth having corroborated part of the last witnesses evidence, the Bench fined the defendant £1, and the cost 14s.