John Bedeman, innkeeper and farmer, of Rushton, charged Joseph Thorpe
and Samuel Crick, both of Desborough, with having, on Saturday, the 17th
inst., cut off a portion of rope, value 2s.
—Prosecutor said that on the 17th he was carrying oats.
Joseph Panther,
a lad employed by him, was driving the team. In the afternoon of the
same day the boy came into the house and told him some men had been
cutting the waggon rope. Asked him who it was that had cut it, and he
said it was Crick, and that he had taken part of it away. Went over to
Desborough, and accused Crick of the offence, when he replied, "I should
not have done it if I had not been drunk."
—Joseph Panther said he resided at Rowell; was eleven years of age,
and worked for Mr. Bedeman. Was driving his master's waggon on Saturday
last. Met four men on the road, and the two prisoners were with them on
the road leading from Rushton to Rowell. Saw the prisoner Thorpe wind up
the rope and take it away with him. The rope was cut with a sickle, and
both prisoners went away together.
—William
Clarke deposed that he was a labourer living at Desborough. When
going home on Saturday, the 17th, saw the prisoner Thorpe laying down on
the road with a rope by his side, the piece produced. After he had
passed him saw him pick up the rope and throw it over the wall. Went on
Saturday night to where the rope had been thrown, and saw that it was
still there; and, hearing that it was the property of Mr. Bedeman, he
picked it up and delivered it to him.
—Samuel
Meadows, said he was a police-constable stationed at Desborough.
Having received information respecting Crick cutting a rope belonging to
Mr. Bedeman, he went to Crick and charged him with cutting it and taking
it away, and then took him into custody. On bringing Crick to Kettering
police station he said, "If I have been a rogue in this matter it is the
first time, and I hope it will be the last." Clarke told him he saw
Thorpe throw the rope over the wall, and he took him into custody also.
—Thorpe pleaded guilty, and was committed for three weeks hard
labour.
—Crick said he was perfectly innocent of the charge, and Thorpe knew
it. He would not be tried here, for he had done nothing, and would
sooner go to Northampton.
—He was committed to take his trial at the Quarter Sessions, and
bail was accepted for his appearance.
Northampton Mercury, Saturday 24
August 1861