A poor, decrepit, elderly man, named John Turner, was charged by James
Osborn, inspector of police, Kettering, with begging at Desborough on the
7th inst.
Harriett Walpole,
the first witness, said she lived servant with Mr. Riley, at Desborough. In
the afternoon of Thursday, on the above day, a poor man came to the door.
She believed defendant to be the man, but having a mere glimpse of him she
could not take upon herself to speak positively. On opening the door she
asked him what he wanted. He said he was a poor man, and almost blind. Told
him she had nothing to give away, and on closing the door heard him say
Please, please, but did not hear what he asked for, whether bread or what
not.
--Samuel Meadows,
a policeman stationed at Desborough, was on duty on the 7th. Saw defendant
go to Mr. Riley's and come away, and then go to Mrs. Walker's. Heard her say
she had nothing to give him, for they were poor themselves. Afterwards saw
him go to Mrs. Burford's and observed her give him a halfpenny as he left
the door. Told him he was doing wrong in going from house to house begging,
and ordered him off, when he became very obstinate, and refused to go away.
--Police-constable Hoora, of Rothwell, said he went over to Desborough to
make enquiries respecting defendant begging at Mr. Riley's. Asked the
servant girl whether defendant had been to the house, when she said yes, a
poor man had been and asked for something, and she believed it was bread,
but was not sure.
--Defendant, who looked very ill and had not the appearance of a vagrant,
said he merely solicited a little water, when the policeman fell foul upon
him, tore his clothes, and otherwise maltreated him.
--The magistrates were of the opinion defendant was begging, but there
was a doubt about it, and they would give him the benefit of it, and dismiss
the case.
Northampton Mercury,
Saturday 30 July 1859