'From an 1870 newspaper'

From the 'Leicester Journal, Friday, February 4, 1870.'

COUNTY POLICE OFFICE.




SATURDAY.- Before Rev. H.J. Hoskyns (chairman), M. Turner, J. Brooks, and J. Knight, Esqrs.




CROPSTONE.- William Moore, labourer, was charged with being drunk and riotous at Cropstone, on January 22nd. Defendant pleaded guilty, and was fined, including costs, 15s., in default seven days' imprisonment.




THURNBY.- William Tebbutt and Wm. Bryans, neither of whom appeared, were charged with trespassing in search of conies on land at Thurnby, on December 30th.- George Geary, gamekeeper, said he knew the defendants, and saw them together on December 30th in a field in the occupation of Mrs. Wilt. They had a ferret with them, and he saw them put it into a rabbit-hole. One of them also carried a spud. Witness caught Bryans, and a man named King caught Tebbutt. They said they were very sorry, were out of work, and had come out to try and catch a rat. They did not think they were doing any harm, and asked witness to let them go.- John King corroborated.- Defendants were each fined #1 12s., including costs, or fourteen days' imprisonment.




RATBY.- Thomas Aikens, bricklayer, was charged with aiding and abetting George Sutton to kill game at Ratby, on January 16th.-John Dawson, gamekeeper, said he saw defendant in company with Sutton, who carried a gun. He saw Sutton shoot a hare; at the time he shot defendant stood on the footpath about ten yards away, and was looking on. While Sutton went to pick up the hare Aikens held the gun. They both went away together.- Defendant said he was very sorry. It was the first time he had ever done anything of the kind.- Fined, including costs, 20s., or fourteen days' imprisonment.