The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1880-03-27 00:00:00

HALES OWEN.

FELoNT.--Atthe Police Court, on Tuesday, Wore
mes,s. E. Gem, W. Bassano, and E. B. l'eitlips
James Cooper WsiS charged with stealing on the
21st just, 7 tame fowls, the property of David
Wakernan. Prosecutor, who resided at Wordsley,
said he kept fowls in the pen, and on the night in
question they were locket up safe. Missed 7 fowls
the next morning. I have no doubt the head and
feet produced are mine. From the general appear-
ance my housekeper can swear to them. Frances
Lee housekeeper to pro ' qecuter said the heais of
th,Vowls produced she identified as the property of
prosecutor. Locked the fowls in the pen at 7
o'clock on Saturday night with the lock produced.
On Sunday morning missed 7of the fowls. Mary
Ann Rose said she was sitting in her house between
twelve and one o'clock when a man came to the
door and knocked. He said "Open the door, its all
right." Got to the window and looked out, and
while looking through the window the door of Mr.
Cooper's house was opened, and three men were let
in. Oncoming out of the house one of the men
had something under his arm. Police-constable
Taylor said about 7 o'clock in the morniog be went
t Mr. Wakeman's house. He showed them tie
pen where the lock had been broken off. Also an
iron bolt, and foot marks. Some were boot marks,
and some were small clog marks. He then went
to prisoner's house and asked him if he had bought
any fawls the 1, at week or two. Prisoner said he had
not as he hadibe, n out of work too long to buy fowls.
His wife spoke up and said when we do have fowls,
we get them honest, but have not had one for aime
time. Then asked her how long it was since she
had bought a fowl. Both of them said we have not
had a fowl in our house since last Christmas. Told
them he thought they kept fowls. They replied
they were goirg to do se, but had not yet. Left the
house and returned at 10.30, with Police-conetahle
Bayliss. They again said they had no fowls since
last Christmas. The daughter then put the lid on
a pot. Looked in the pot and said to them, why
you have got a fowl in the pot cooking." Prisoner
said he forgot that. Examined the pot, and found
there were two fowls boiling Prisoner said" lam
sure there is only one." There were two fowls
'ointed in the pot, which he flow produced. Then
examined the house and found the bag produced
containing feathers and blood in it. Asked him how
he aleounted for the bag and feathers. The wife
said that she always put the feathers in the bag
when she bought a fowl The prisoner then said
was but one fowl. He offered to go and
that his son-in-law gave him that fowl, and he was
sure the' e
fetchh ,
in-law. Told him he would not, and
with stealing the fowls. Also with re-
erg
ehdi shsi on
an -
ceiving them well knowing them to be stolen. When
at the station charged him with stealing 7 fowls
the prop-rty of Mr. Wakeman, and with receiving
them knowing them be stolen. Prisoner said he
knew nothing about it. PoliCeseonstable Bayliss
corroborate(l, and sa!d he found the heads and
feet produceed under the ashes The heads were
still bleeding as if fresh cut. Took prisoner to Mr.
Wakeman's farm. Compared his clogs with the
marks made. They fitted exactly. Prisoner denied
stealing the fowls, and was committed to take his
trial at the next Quarter Sussions.
CHARGE OF ASSAULTING A POLICE OFFICER
Thomas Pearson and Phillip Chatwin were brought
i up on remand charged with assaulting Police-con-
stable Hardwick en the 2nd inst. Mr. W. S Hayes
defeeded. C. mplainaut said as he was in tiv.
I)it I.;,vtoil, i d pas.ing the def-n in:, Th.,,,
I>earson',l, teh• keeps no out dool• •cns,. ii,)
; Heard voices aud went to see what was going on
Saw the two defendants. Asked who was in the

c t
6 (

house, when defendant pushed him violently away
from the door. Police-constable Raybould came up
at the time, who told him that his house was under
the supervision of the police. Examined the
house and found no one in, except the family. Saw
Chatwin push Hardwick violently and he caught
against him. Told him he must not assault the po-
lice. Chat Nin said the police had no businessthere•
Mr lives addressed the Bench for the defence and
denied that any assault had been committed. and
called Ann Chatwin, that who said no one struck
the police, or obstructed them in the execution of'
theit duty. Mr. Bassauo said he had no doubt in his'
own mind tat an assault had been corcmitted;
But it was of a trivial character, but the police
must be protected, and he thought a small fine of
is and costs would meet the case. Mr. Gem said
that he endorsed what Mr. Bassano had said, He
believed that an assault had been committed, and
he suggested on the last occasion that a tine of
would meet the case, and fined defendants Is and
costs, amounting to 15s each. , .
" •:.) 21A