ONGAR MAY 22 1897
Justices present: L. Pelley Chairman, F. Carter and H.E. Jones, Esqrs.
Stanford Rivers: Imprisonment for Fowl Stealing
Frederick Fogg and Albert Clark of Fyfield, were charged with stealing two hen, valued at 5s., the property of Emily Murton, of the Woodman Inn, Stanford Rivers, on the 17th May. Mr F. Murton stated that he heard the fowls making a noise, and went to the spot. He saw two men, who on observing him, jumped the hedge and landed in cesspool. He caught one of them (Fogg), who had nothing in his possession. The other man escaped. Witness then gave information to Pc Danes, who was passing. Pc Danes said that he, accompanied by Pc Rolfe, proceeded in pursuit of the men and overtook them near Chigwell. He searched Clark's cart and found the fowls there, which Mr Murton swore were his. A strange cap was found at the Woodman Inn, and Clark had no cap on. Pc Rolfe having given corroborative evidence, the bench convicted the prisoners and sentenced each to six weeks hard labour.