From the Maidstone Telegraph, Rochester and Chatham Gazette, 28 December 1861.

Maidstone Petty Sessions.

George Holloway, baker, residing in parliament Street, was charged with having assaulted Francis Stockwell, who keeps the "Lion" beer-shop, Pleasant Row, on the 16th inst.

The complainant stated that on Monday evening the defendant came into his house, in company with other men, and shortly after his arrival he created a disturbance, and on being ordered by complainant to leave the house, he struck him in the chest twice, and then pushed him against the wall. The defendant then went away, refusing to give his address, and on Stockwell following him into the neighbourhood of Thornhills, defendant knocked him down, tore his trousers, took hold of him by the head and heels, and threw him violently into the hedge, saying, "I am a good mind to make a stiff'un of him."

In answer to defendant, complainant admitted that they had been raffling together, but denied that he was drunk.

Plaintiff's statement was corroborated by two witnesses.

The magistrates, after a short consultation, said it had been a question with them whether or not they ought to deal with the defendant under the new Act, which gave them the power to commit him for 2 months, without a fine, but as the Bench had giving no notice of the Act, they should inflict a penalty of £5, including costs. Complainant was cautioned by the magistrates to not permit raffling in his house, that being an offence against the law. The money was paid.