From the Kentish Chronicles, 22 October, 1859.

A grosser instance of sheer ruffianism it has never been our lot to record than that which took place in this locality on Tuesday se’nnight. It appeared that a bricklayer named Atkins with a companion went in the afternoon of the above-named day to the "Army and Navy" beer-shop in the Walmer-road, and were quietly enjoying themselves over a jug of beer, when they were joined by a stalwart-looking fellow of the name of Bowls, who, without ceremony, made free with the beer, and then asked Atkins for some tobacco, which he good-naturedly called for and gave him. Soon after Bowls proposed to bet Atkins five shilling's that he would give him the first slap on the cheek, which challenge, however, the latter declined, whereupon Bowls insisted he had won the money, and not being able to get it, deliberately threw Atkins into the road with so much force as to break his leg; not content with this treatment be leaped upon him with great violence, thereby causing haemorrhage from the nostrils, and other personal injuries. In fact, the conduct of Bowls was more like an infuriated wild beast than that of a human being. Information was soon conveyed of this brutal outrage to Inspector Parker, of Deal, and the Walmer constable, who succeeded in taking Bowls into custody, having found him behind a hay stack near the "Sydenham Green" Public-house. The fellow is now in Sandwich Gaol, and will be in a day or two brought up for another examination. Atkins we learn is progressing as favourably as can be expected, considering the dangerous character of the injuries he has sustained.