Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser, Monday 8 January 1872.

Charge of assault.

Edward James, keeper of the "Ramblers Rest" beer shop, at Chislehurst, was summoned by Mr. James Lutley, proprietor of the "Windmill Inn," Chislehurst, for an assault.

Mr Gibson, solicitor, appeared for the defendant.

Mr. Lutley said on the night of the 18th of December, he had a supper at his house amongst the members of a club, no one being able to enter the room without invitation. The deceased and two or three other person's came and forced themselves into the room. He (complainant) requested him to leave, but they would not go out, and eventually he and a party got him out by 4th. A few minutes later he had a fight going on down stairs, and went and investigated and then saw defendant standing at the bar and called for two bottles of brandy, but he refused to serve him, and requested defended to leave but he would not do so. Three or four times he requested him to leave, but he still refused, and then struck complainant on his chest. It was about (missing text) he was struck. Before the (missing text) he was greatly abused by the defendant, (missing text) obliged to go to Sidcup to get the assistance of the police to get his house cleared. (missing text) examined the complainant a great length, (missing text) is evidence, William More was then placed at the bar and said he was in the employ of the complainant, and on the night in question he was standing at the bar, and heard his master tell defendant three or four times to leave his house, but he would not go, and said the house was as much his as it was Mr. Lutley's. He saw the defendant push his master backwards. On two separate occasions the same assault of pushing was committed. Mr. Gibson, after cross examining witness without any result, made a lengthy defence on the part of his client, and said he wished to show to the Bench that complainant was as much to blame as defendant. He then called William Keeble, who, on being examined, said he was not at the bar when the assault took place; he could, therefore, throw no light upon the matter.

William Croft was called on the part of the defence, and said he heard Mr. Lutley ask the defendant to leave two or three times, but he refused to go. They were both excited. He saw the defendant's hand go on Mr. Lutley's shoulder, but he only "slightly stroked him down." William J. Draper was also called, but he admitted he was not at the bar when the assault complained of took place.

The Bench said they were of opinion the assault was proved; they should, therefore, inflict a fine of 6s. and costs 13s.