Isaac Buckby

Illegal sale of beer, 10th May 1879

 

—Issac Buckby, beerhouse-keeper (outdoors), Desborough, was summoned on a charge of selling liquor without having a license to sell on the premises.

—Inspector Barwell stated that on the 10th of May he went to Desborough. About a quarter past six o'clock he saw ten men drinking round his door in the open street opposite his door. He watched several minutes, and saw jugs filled twice and drunk in the street. The last jug brought out he saw some money given, and change brought back to them. Asked them what they were drinking, but they would not tell him. He then went and asked defendant's wife why they were serving beer. She said the Exciseman told them so long as it was took outside the house they might do it. Went and told the defendant, who said he did not know he was doing anything wrong, as the man who lived there before did it. He met the Exciseman in the village and took him to the house, and told him in the presence of defendant's wife what she had told him about him. The wife then denied having said so.

—The inspector was cross-examined by Mr. Rawling, on behalf of the defendant.

—Mr. Rawling said the defendant was summoned for allowing liquor to be sold on the highway. He held that it was private property, and had never been taken by the proper authority. Also, that the drinking had not been proved to have been going on with the knowledge of the defendant. He also said he did not find either jugs or glasses.

—Emma Kirby stated, in answer to Mr. Rawlins, that on the 10th of May, between three and four, she recollected serving some men with beer. The men brought the jug in. She denied supplying any glasses. They did not drink the beer in the house.

Mrs. Buckby, mother of defendant, stated that she was at her son's house. Some persons were supplied with beer. They brought their own vessels with them. The drink was consumed outside the house on the causeway. They were supplied five times altogether.

—Defendant, Isaac Buckby, stated that he was not at home when the alleged offence took place, and he did not know of it. He did it, thinking there would not be any harm in it.

—The magistrates retired, and on their return said that they had found him guilty, and fined him £1 and 12s. 6d. costs.

—Defendant complained of his premises being continually watched by the police.

 

 Northampton Mercury, Saturday 31 May 1879