The Express.
London, England, 1867-04-20 00:00:00

BOW-STREET.

SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST THE POLICE.
Gm roe Lee Sabin, badge No. 3,247, driver of the omnibus
No. 7,113, was charged with loitering in the Strand on the
7th April. and using abusive language to Police-constable
Whiting, F 02.
He was defended by Mr. Towne.
The constable stated that on the day in question he saw
the defendant loitering in the Strand, opposite the
Charing-moss Railway station, from 4.10 to 4.15 p.m.
When witness took his number he said, " I should like
to punch your head."
In cross-examination by Mr. Towne, the witness
said he had for seven or eight years done duty
in the Strand awl neighbourhood. Had known the
defendant about three or four months. Would not
swear that defendant bad driven the same omnibus,
or for the same employers (the London General
Omnibus Company), or on the same line of route, but
had seen him driving omnibuses in the Strand.
Would not swear to having seen him every day
or several days successively. Witness was not
the constable specially stationed at that spot to
note the stoppages of omnibuses, Sic. That constable was
a few yards away, but did not speak to him before he took
the number. Would swear he did not say "You had
better take that man's number." Denied all knowledge of
any " system."
Mr. Towne—Do you not know that it is a rule that the
conductors give money to the policeman stationed at that
spot
Mr. Flowers cautioned the constable that be was not
bound to answer the question.
The constable swore that he bad no knowledge of any
such system.
Mr. Towne said the case was defended on principle,
and if necessary he could produce a dozen conductors to
prove that a system of black mail existed. The present
defendant had been ill for two months, and on his return
to work was asked for money by the policeman stationed
at the spot in question. In consequence of hie illness be
was short of money, and was not able to meet the demand.
On the present occasion the demand had been repeated,
after which Whiting mane up and took defendant's
number.

Mr. Flowers said if that could be proved, it was a ter-
rible state of things. The conduct of a constable who
should take a bribe under such circumstance* would be
almost as bad as if he (the magistrate) should do so. At
the same time, if it could not be proved, that was still a
very serious matter, for if such imputations were made
without ground no man was safe.
Mr. Towne said the imputation wasnot against Whiting,
but against the other constable ; and perhaps he ought
not to have imported it into the case, which he only did
to explain what really was said. He should prove it
against the other constable before the commissioners. He
hoped the defendant would not suffer for that, not having
instructed him.

A City policeman named Grenfold and his wife, who
were on the omnibus, deposed that defendant's words
were, "Why don't the other man come! Is he ashamed?"
and that no offensive language was used.
Mr. Flower, was glad that be was able to deal with tiffs
ease without reference to the alleged bribery, as that was
not applied to the witness in this ease. He believed
every word of the rridcnce of Whiting, whom be fully be-
lieved to be a truthful man, and if he were not so be ought
not to remain in the force • single day. The defendant
must pay 2s, fine for each offence, and 2s, costs for each
summons, making in all fia. He trusted that the charge
against the other constable would be fully investigated.
Sergeant Hamblin, the acting inspector in attendance,
said it should be reported to the commissioner,, who would
no doubt order an inquiry.
Mr. Towne said a complaint would be laid before the
commissioners. The company were determined to put •
stop to the system.