Stokes v Dickens Waggon & Horses 1853

xtract from Northampton Mercury dated 15 Januaary 1853

James Stokes v Edward Dickens, Burton Lattimer. Mr Rawlings appeared for plaintiff, and Mr Tennant for defendant. This was an action for £2 expenses, consequent on injuries received by plaintiff at defendant’s house on the 24th May, 1851.

Pllaintiff stated that on that day he went into the Waggon and Horses public house, which is kept by defendant, and tossed with him for some ale, and that a quarrel ensued, and the landlord struck him a violent blow on the head, but he could not say with what, as he was senseless in consequence. He was unable to work for nine days afterwards. On the following Tuesday, Mr Dickins expressed his sorrow for what had occurred, and offered to pay defendant compensation if he would not take out a summons against him, and an agreement was drawn up in presence of a witness, but defendant kept it, and all he could get from him was 12s. The doctor’s bill was £1. 1s., and the (defendant) charged 1s. 4d. per day for loss of time. Besides the time lost through illness he had hindered two days in going backwards and forwards concerning the case.

Defendant said the blow was a slight one, and that he was provoked in consequence of plaintiff ill-treating his wife. He could not bring her forward as a witness as she is now deceased.

Judgment for £1. 5s. in addition to the 12s. received.