CRIME IN PAST TIMES

A tale of two boots

Justice was swift in past times and age was no defence for the offender. At the police court held at the Town Hall in Bourne on Tuesday 4th September 1900, before Alderman William Wherry and Mr Robert Gardner, Sarah Jane Halford, was summoned for stealing a pair of boots, value four shillings (20p in today’s money). She was just twelve years old. Also charged was James Birch for receiving the boots knowing them to have been stolen.

Evidence was given by Susan Rodgers who missed the boots from her house and identified those produced as her property. The witness also stated that Sarah Halford had been in the habit of coming to her house to play with the children. Eliza Halford, who was called as a witness, denied any knowledge of the boots except what had subsequently been told her by her sister.

Police Constable Henfrey said in evidence that he had interviewed both defendants and although Birch at first denied all knowledge of the offence, subsequently admitted having taken the boots away and burying them. He took the constable to a dyke in Meadow Drove and there showed him where the boots had been hidden and handed them over. Both defendants elected to be dealt with summarily and pleaded guilty.

Sarah was bound over under the First Offenders Act to come up for judgment within three months if called for and Birch was committed to jail for 14 days' hard labour. Eliza Halford was also cautioned respecting the serious consequences of perjury.

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