Cambridge Chronicle 16 Nov 1861: Theft from steam engine on Mr Bennett's farm
A young man named Charles Whitby, from Cambridge-place, was charged with stealing some brass, the property of Mr. John Coulson, machinist, Milton, from an engine on Mr. Bennett’s farm, at Trumpington. The brass with other things missing from the machine was valued at 30s. — Prosecutor said that on Saturday last he had a steam engine on Mr. Bennett’s farm, at Trumpington. Saw it safe at dinner time, and his brother left it at 6 o’clock. On Monday, found the whistle gone off the engine, and on the same day discovered that he had lost a screw driver and a chisel. Could swear to the brass and screw driver. Gave information of his loss to the Borough Police, on Tuesday. — Edward Willis, a lad, of Cambridge-place, said he was in Cambridge-place, on Tuesday, when the prisoner called to him, and asked him if he would go to Mr. Bell’s, and he would give him a half-penny. He asked him to sell the tools produced to Bell, as well as another article not produced. Prisoner told witness not to mention his name. Gave the things to Bell, who told witness to send the “chap” to his house. Told prisoner what Bell said, and the prisoner replied that he would go. -“Orator Bell” was then called. He deposed that he bought the brass of prisoner on Tuesday, for 1s.; and also to last witness bringing the tools on the following day. The prisoner subsequently came, and, after cautioning him as to the things being his own, he gave him 6d. for them. The things were laid on witness’ window; and on Thursday a policeman came to him, and asked him if he had bought any brass. Witness said he had, and handed the things produced to the policeman. — Prisoner elected to be tried by the magistrates; but made a statement to the effect that he found the things in a ditch. — The magistrates committed the prisoner to gaol for six weeks, with hard labour.