From the Folkestone Observer 2 February, 1861.

THE EIGHTEENTH SUMMARY CONVICTION

Wednesday January 30th:- Before R.F. Browell, R.W. Boarer and J. Kelcey, Esqs.

George Sladden, 50, tailor, was charged with being drunk and using obscene language in High Street; and also with assaulting Police constable John Reynolds in the execution of his duty. On the first charge being read over, prisoner said he could remember nothing about it. He had only come out of the Union the day before.

P.C. Reynolds said he was on duty in High Street the preceding night, and that about a quarter to ten he saw prisoner come out of the "Crown" beer shop, next to the police station. He commenced shouting, swearing, &c., and witness brought him to the station.

Prisoner: Where is the "Crown" beer shop? I don't know where it is. I don't recollect anything of what is said. It is of no use saying I am sorry. I can only hope you will be lenient.

Mr. Browell: You are further charged with assaulting the police. Are you guilty?

Prisoner: I know nothing whatever about it.

Superintendent Martin, being sworn, said – The prisoner was brought in drunk last night a little before ten o'clock, and was charged by P.C. Reynolds with being drunk and using obscene language. Prisoner said “I am not drunk this time. I'll let you have it” and immediately squared up to Police constable Reynolds, and hit at him on the face. The blow was warded off, and then prisoner struck Reynolds on the shoulder, and became very violent. A struggle ensued, during which I received a kick on my knee.

Prisoner: It's no use begging off. I hope you will not send me to prison this time. I am continually being sent there for getting drunk; but it's no use causing the expense. (Laughter.)

Mr. Boarer: For how long a time has he been in prison at one time?

Superintendent Martin: He has been in prison for six months – three months waiting for trial, and three months after trial, on the sentence of the Recorder.

Mr. Browell: For stealing beef?

Superintendent Martin: For stealing a parcel from the South Eastern Railway Company.

Mr. Browell: Then the beef stealing was after that?

Superintendent Martin: Yes, that was last Autumn.

Mr. Browell, to prisoner: We are not going to waste any words on such an old and hardened offender as you. This is the eighteenth time you have been here. You are sentenced to imprisonment in Dover jail for fourteen days, with hard labour.

From the Folkestone Observer 9 November, 1861. Transcribed by Jan Pedersen.

FIGHTING WOMEN

Wednesday November 6th:- Before the Mayor and James Kelcey, Esq.

Eliza Burrows was charged with assaulting Elizabeth Avery.

Elizabeth Avery said she was a married woman, her husband keeping the "Crown" beerhouse, High Street. About half past nine on Monday the defendant came to the house with another woman and asked for a bundle of clothes the latter had left there, and which were brought down to her by a servant. The defendant began to abuse her very much, and pulled the hair out of her head without any provocation (hair produced).

James Williams, who was drinking in the house, heard some talk about clothes, and saw the hair pulled out.

Defendant said she went with Miss Robinson to fetch her clothes, and when they were asked for Mrs. Avery made no answer, but went in and drew some beer, laughing behind the glass. She (defendant) went out to get a policeman, and when she came back the defendant flew at her and scratched her face (the face was much scratched). She had not spoken to complainant when she flew at her. Of course, when so attacked, she defended herself.

This evidence was confirmed by Amelia Robinson.

The magistrates considered that defendant had used more violence than necessary in self-defence, and fined her 6s with 11s costs.

From the Folkestone Observer 29 March, 1862. Transcribed by Jan Pedersen.

ASSAULT A WIFE

Wednesday March 26th:- Before the Mayor, W.F. Browell, W. Wightwick, and J. Kelcey, Esqs.

Henry Avery, landlord of the "Crown" beerhouse, Hugh Street, was charged with assaulting his wife. Complainant went home on Tuesday afternoon and said to her husband, “Little man, I want to speak to you in the little room”. But he. Excited with drink, threw a mallet at her head, and knocked her down. A policeman was brought, and Mr. Avery was taken to the station, the wife meanwhile fainting. She, however, followed to the station, where she again fainted. Mr. Tyson, surgeon, who was sent for, dressed the wound in the head, which was very severe. The Bench convicted the prisoner, and sentenced him to pay a fine of £1, with 8s. expenses, or 14 days' hard labour. Prisoner said he could not pay, and unless his wife paid for him he must go to prison. He went to prison.