Damage to Tree, August 1847
George Smith, of Desborough, was charged by
Mrs. Kilbourn,
of the George Inn, of the same place, with wilfully damaging a tree,
with a view to steal some fruit. The damage was laid at 2d., and the
defendant pleaded guilty, with expressions of sorrow for what he had
done. Complainant and her husband both stated that their only object in
bringing the case before the Bench was to show that fruit was not to be
taken from their garden with impunity, as they had been robbed in that
way several times. Respecting the defendant, they indicated that he bore
a good character, and police-constable Jeffs, who for some time did duty
in Desborough, spoke to the same effect. On this account Smith was
admonished and discharged on payment of the costs only, which amounted
to 7s. 6d.
Northampton Mercury,
Saturday 21 August 1847