A Foolish Freak

Northampton Mercury – From Kettering Petty Sessions – Sat 9 April 1862

A FOOLISH FREAK – Benjamin Staples, a licensed hawker, who represented himself as coming from Sevenoaks in Kent, was charged with wilfully breaking the window of William Wright, publican, of Burton Lattimer, on Tuesday, the 8^th instant. Complainant said he kept the Waggon and Horses Inn, at Burton Latimer. On the day in question defendant came to his house, and called for a tot of ale, but finding he had too much already he refused to draw him any, and insisted on his leaving the house. Defendant went out in a violent manner, and quickly returning, in an imperative tone called out “I say, are you going to draw me a half pint of beer, that’s all?” Wright told him that one word was as good as a thousand, and begged him to leave the house. When he got outside he shoved his fist through the window, breaking one pane of glass, the damage which was laid at 1s.

Defendant pleaded guilty, and said he was sorry for what he had done. It was the first time he had ever been brought before the magistrates, and if he had kept himself sober it wouldn’t have been so now. In consequence of the expenses amounting to 18s. 6d. the magistrates exacted no penalty, and the defendant was merely called upon to pay these, and damage 1s., when his wife, a tall, stout, robust person, stepped forward and paid it with perfect good humour.

Two other charges were also preferred against the same defendant, viz., with having at the same time and place, assaulted police-constable Gribble, in the execution of his duty, and also with drunkenness and disorderly conduct. The two cases were adjourned until the 7^th May, and defendant was bound in his own recognizances of £10 to appear at that time.