Cambridge Independent Press 18 Aug 1866: Thomas Bland gates damaged and Samuel Clarke assaulted

CAMBRIDGE DIVISION

SATURDAY, Aug. 11. — Before the Rev. J. Thornhill (chairman), Major Pemberton, Rev. C. Warren, and T.J. Ficklin, Esq.

TRUMPINGTON, — William Gathercole, wood carver, and Nathan Saggets, boiler maker, both of Cambridge, were charged by Mr. Thomas Bland, farmer, with having damaged two gates belonging to him on the Trumpington-road; and also with having assaulted Samuel Clarke, gamekeeper, on Sunday night, August 5, about 11 o’clock. — Mr. GRAIN appeared on behalf of the complainants, Mr. NAYLOR for the defendant (Gathercole), Saggers not putting in an appearance. — Samuel Clarke stated that on the night in question he saw three men breaking the gates, and when asked what they were up to they ran away, but eventually caught the defendant (Gathercole), who kicked witness upon the knee and also received a blow upon the eye. — Mr. Bland deposed that the gates were his property, and the damage done was about 15s. — Mr. Horace Yorke said he was returning from Trumpington on the evening of the 5th August, when he saw a gate lying in the middle of the road, and laid it on one side lest an accident might be occasioned by it. A little further on, when near the Stone Bridge, saw a number of men and amongst them Gathercole, who was challenging to fight Clarke. Heard defendant given into custody. Would swear that it was Gathercole by his large beard and his broad accent. — For defence, Mr. and Mrs. Hills, with whom defendant lodged, said that he came home about half-past ten. It was endeavoured to show that it was a case of non-identity, but the Magistrates being satisfied that the charge was clearly proved, Gathercole was fined £1, damage 7s. 6d. and expenses; Saggers (in his absence) fined £2, damage 7s. 6d., and expenses.