Cambridge Independent Press 30 Jul 1864: arson on John Maris's land
ARSON AT TRUMPINGTON.Tom Cook, (33), labourer, was charged with maliciously setting fire to several stacks of wheat at Trumpington, the property of Mr. J. Maris, on the 1st inst.
Mr. ORRIDGE, instructed by Messrs GRAIN & WINTER, prosecuted. The prisoner was undefended.
Mr. Maris said he was a farmer, living at Trumpington. Had six wheat stacks standing in a field between Trumpington and Hauxton. On the night of the 1st inst. they were all burnt down. Their value was £680.
Samuel Brookes, states that he was a coal merchant. Was on the Trumpington-road about six o’clock on the evening in question. The prisoner was on the path, which he left, and came upon the road and walked with witness. He said that he had been on to Boston and other parts, and came on to Ely, where he sold his shoes and shirt. He could get nothing to eat, but jumped over into a pea-field and filled his belly with peas. He was bound for London. He was ashamed to cadge and could not live like this any longer. He went towards Trumpington, and said he had slept in a haystack the night before.
The Prisoner: This witness said nothing about a haystack before.
Prime Coulson, tailor, Cambridge, stated that he saw the prisoner on the Trumpington-road, about 500 yards from the stacks, on the Harston side of the road. Noticed the stacks, and found them all right (a laugh.) The prisoner was the only person he met. It was about half-a-mile from the stacks to Trumpington. Drove back and saw the prisoner in custody of the police.
Arthur Blyth Simpson was driving on the evening in question from Harston to Trumpington. When he got through the gate he saw a light and was soon satisfied that it was a fire. That was about ten o’clock. Drove quickly on to Trumpington and gave the alarm. Looked purposely upon the road to see if he could observe any one. Met a man going towards the fire, but it was not the prisoner.
John Brunton, shoemaker, was on his way towards Trumpington on the Sunday evening. Saw a fire and witness and a young man went on to the fire together. It was then about half-past nine o’clock.
George Gurling, one of the police for Trumpington, stated that he went to the fire. About 500 yards from this side of the fire he met the prisoner and asked him where he came from. He said he came from Hauxton, and that he had passed some stacks. Witness said “Where is the fire?” He said “I don’t know.” After some further questions, witness said “I shall take you into custody for setting fire to Mr. Maris’ stacks.” He said “Very well. Had you been alone I would throw you over my shoulder, and break you b—— neck.”
William Haslop, gardener to Mr. Foster, stated that he accompanied the last witness and prisoner to the fire, and corroborated the policeman.
The JUDGE thought there was hardly a case for the jury. It was a mere case of suspicion. Under his lordship’s direction, the jury acquitted the prisoner.