Kentish Gazette, 12 September 1854.

Suspected Cask of Poisoning.

On Thursday afternoon Mr. Delasaux held an inquest at the "Cricketers," in this city, on the body of a young woman named Bailey, aged 32, living in St. Peter's, who, it appeared by the evidence of her father, a carpenter, had been somewhat indisposed, but rose as usual at about seven in the morning, but on his return home at eight, he found her on the floor writhing with pain, and before medical assistance could be obtained she expired.

Mr. Rigden, who was called in, stated that deceased was far advanced in pregnancy, and that not observing any marks of violence, and from the statement made to him, he believed her to have died of a diseased heart. A verdict accordingly was returned. It having been rumoured, subsequent to the inquest, that deceased had been poisoned, the coroner directed the medical officer to make further inquiry, which he proceeded to do on Friday; the result of which was, that there was no ground whatever for the imputation.

From the Kentish Gazette, 21 March 1865.

Locked up for a Practical Joke.

At the City Police Court, yesterday, a youth named John Green was brought up in custody, on remand from Saturday, charged with stealing a rabbit, the property of Charles Oakenfull.

Mr. A. Fielding appeared tor the defendant.

The evidence taken on Saturday was read over. Oakenfull then stated that he was drinking at the "Kentish Cricketers" about 12 o’clock on Friday night, and had with him two rabbits, a pair of soles, &c. He met Green at the "Cricketers" and paid for some rum and water for him. On leaving to go home Green followed him, and when they were in the Friars he snatched one of the rabbits and ran away with it. He believed Green intended to steal the rabbit.

A witness named Smith said that both Green and Oakenfull were drunk, and that Oakenfull’s lady was with them. They were going with Oakenfull home, when Green attempted to take hold of a can in which the latter had some beer. In the scuffle Oakenfull let the rabbits fall, and Green snatched one of them up and ran away. Oakenfull then said he supposed Green had done it for a lark, but as the rabbit was not brought back Oakenfull gave the prisoner into custody.

After the evidence had been read over yesterday, Oakenfull, in answer to questions from Mr. Fielding, said he did not think Green intended to steal the rabbit, but that he took it for a lark.

Mr. Fielding said that was the defence he had been instructed to make. The parties had been drinking together, and Green took the rabbit for a lark. He afterwards amused himself by trying to throw it over St. Peter’s Church, but being unable to do that he placed it on the wall and left it there. That circumstance, which he could call a witness to prove, showed that there was no felonious intent.

The Magistrates directed the defendant to be discharged.

From the Kentish Gazette, 4 April 1865 Canterbury 2.bmp"

A Tradesman where he ought not to be.

At the Guildhall, on Wednesday and Thursday, the City Magistrates were engaged a considerable time in the investigation of a barge of robbery from the person, preferred by one of our city tradesmen, against two women of questionable reputation, the case excited great interest, and the Court, particularly on Thursday, was inconveniently crowded. The Magistrates on he Bench, on Wednesday, were the Right Worshipful the Mayor (Peter Marten, Esq.), Wm. Plummer, Esq., and Alderman Plummer.

The prisoners, on being placed at the bar, described themselves as married women, and gave their names as Emily Clements and Elizabeth Evans. They were stated by he police to be sifters, and the daughters of a woman named Nash, who resides in Knott’s-lane. The charge against them was that of stealing a watch, a valuable ring, and a purse containing £2 14s. from the person of George Eastes, some time during the previous night.

Mr. Eastes, was sworn, but he appeared to have only an indistinct recollection of what had taken place. He said that about 10 o’clock on Tuesday night he saw the prisoner Emily Clements in the "Sun" Yard, and treated her to something to drink, but he did not know what public-house they went to. He was afterwards at the "Cricketers," St. Peter’s, but did not know whether the prisoner went with him there, he saw her there, and stood treat all round. He remembered nothing more till about 4 o’clock on Wednesday morning, when he found himself at the police station, minus his watch, ring, and money. His property was safe when he saw Clements in the "Sun" Yard on the previous night. He estimated his loss at about £18 or £19.

P.C. Sampson deposed:- About a quarter past 2 o’clock this morning, from information received from another officer, I apprehended the prisoner, Emily Clements, in a passage in Northgate, and charged her with stealing a watch, ring, and purse from Mr. Eastes. She said. "I have not got the watch, I was with him at my mother’s, and if he has lost his watch, my sister must have had it." I took her to the police station, and there saw the prosecutor, who appeared to have lost his senses, though he could walk very well. I then went and apprehended the other prisoner at her mother’s house in Knott s Lane. I charged her with being concerned in the stealing of Mr. Eastes’ property. She said, "I have not got his watch, Eastes was drunk." Just at that time P.C. Marsh, who was with me, said, "There is the pocket book," and he picked the pocket book up at the comer of the door in the prisoners’ mother’s house. The mother said that Mr. Eastes had been there. Subsequently the female searcher gave me 19s. 8 1/2d., which she said she had taken from the prisoner Emily Nash. About five o’clock this morning I accompanied Mr. Eastes to the "Sun" Yard, and we there picked up his cloak, which was lying on the ground in the yard.

Mrs. Fill, landlady of the "Cricketers," deposed that Mr. Eastes was at her house about 10 o’clock on Tuesday night. He appeared to sober then, and left alter drinking a glass of ale. Neither of the prisoners were at her house on Tuesday night.

William Walters Blogg, a ragged, dirty looking fellow, deposed:- I am a tailor, and lodge with Mrs. Nash, mother of the prisoners, in Knott’s Lane. Both the prisoners live there, but Emily Nash sleeps in another house. About 12 o’clock last night Emily Nash came in with Mr. Hastes, and they sat in the room where I and Mrs. Nash were.

Mr. Eastes was very drunk. The other prisoner came in about a quarter of an hour afterwards. Mr. Eastes sent for half a pint of brandy, which they drank neat. Eastes left the house about half-past two o'clock, and alter he had gone I locked the door and went to bed. Emily Nash had left about an hour previously.

At this stage of the proceedings Mr. Superintendent Davies applied for a remand, stating that he thought he should be able to obtain further evidence, and after a brief consultations the Magistrates granted the application.

On Thursday morning, when the prisoners were again brought up, the Magistrates on the Bench were the Right Worshipful the Mayor (Peter Marten, Esq.), Aldermen Philpott and Cooper, Wm. Plummer, Esq., and Edward Wootton, Esq.

The evidence taken on the previous day having been read over, Mr. Eastes informed the Bench that his ring had been brought to him that morning by Mr. Leech, a most respectable man who worked at the Cathedral, and who said he had found it in Palace-street.

Superintendent Davies said the only additional evidence he had obtained was to show that, some time between 10 and 12 o'clock on Tuesday night, Mr. Eastes and Emily Nash were drinking together at the "Military Tavern," but on inquiry it turned out that the witness was not forthcoming.

The Magistrates then consulted for a short time, and eventually decided to discharge the prisoners for want of evidence.

We understand that since the investigation before the Magistrates, Mr. Eastes has been suspended from his appointment, as lay clerk at the Cathedral, pending an enquiry into his conduct by the Dean and Chapter.