Kentish Gazette,25 January 1876.

PETTY SESSIONS, TUESDAY.

Before W. D. Walker and W. W. Knight, Esqrs.

Thomas Else, a wandering musician, was charged with stealing a money box, containing about 3s., from the "Freedom of Opinion Inn," Ashford, on the 17th instant.

Sarah Ann Harris, wife of George Harris, landlord of the "Freedom of Opinion," deposed that on the 17th, at about three or four o'clock in the afternoon, she went upstairs, leaving the prisoner, with others, in the taproom. She was called down for something, when she saw the prisoner coming down stairs, and witness, with her servant, went upstairs, and missed the box, which she saw about five minutes before. The prisoner came back about a quarter of an hour afterwards, and witness accused him of the theft, upon which he threatened to strike her. Prisoner had formerly lodged in the house.

Rona Goldsmith, domestic servant, said she heard someone come down stairs, and money rattle, and afterwards saw prisoner run out of the yard gate. It was about half-past three o'clock.

Walter Linkins said that prisoner left him in the tap room at about half-past three, and he shortly afterwards heard some one come down stairs.

Prisoner, who asserted his innocence, was sentenced to one month's hard labour.