Cambridge Independent Press 3 Sep 1909: David Howard witness

TO-DAY’S POLICE COURT

Before the Mayor (Alderman W. P. Spalding), in the chair, A. S. Campkin, R. Sturton, and G. Smith, Esqs.

Stolen Plums.

Bertie Thomas Adams, of 1, St. Peter’s-street, was charged with stealing a quantity of plums, value 3d., the property of the Master and Fellows of St. John’s College, from St. John’s Nurseries, Madingley-road, on August 28th.

He pleaded not guilty.

Acting-Sergt. Leonard Savidge stated that at 2.5 on the morning of August 29th he was on duty in Shelley-row, when he saw defendant going towards his house in St. Peter’s-street. He stopped defendant and asked him what he was doing outdoors at that hour. He said that he had been going for a walk up Madingley-road. Witness asked what he had with him, and he replied, “Nothing.” but on searching him witness found some plums in his pocket. These prisoner said he had bought from Mr. Andrew’s stall in the market, of which a man named Clark was in charge.

David John Howard, of Trumpington, said he was employed as under-gardener in St. John’s Nurseries. He left everything secure on the night of August 28th , but next morning a quantity of plums were lying under a tree and several branches had been broken off. He identified the plums taken from defendant as similar to those on the tree. The damage done to the tree amounted to about 2s.6d.

Wm. Clark, of 12 Abbey-street, said he worked for Mr. Andrews and was in charge of his stall in the market on the night of Saturday 28th August.

. . .