Theft of Peas in Northbourne - 1916
'Deal Walmer and Sandwich Mercury' 8th July 1916
COUNTY POLICE COURT
Monday - before the Mayor (Ald. W. H. Redsull) and Ald. W. J. Solomon.
THEFT OF PEAS
Annie Evans, alias Hibbert, of Great Mongeham, was charged with stealing a quantity of peas, the property of James Edgar, valued at 6d., at Northbourne, on the 1st July.
William Robert Betts said he was employed by Mr. James Edgar, of Deal, as manager of his peafields in the parish of Northbourne. Defendant, who was employed at picking peas, came up to him about 10.30 on the 1st inst., and asked him to change her tickets - a ticket being given for each bushel of peas picked - as she wanted to go home for her husband's dinner. When witness had changed her tickets she returned to the part of the field where she had been picking the peas, and then started to leave the field carrying a bag in front of her. Thinking that she had concealed some peas in the bag, witness called a policeman, and defendant was brought back, and the peas were found. The peas weighed 2lbs. Defendant had been employed for three days, and had also been employed in former years. Taking peas was so prevalent, that precautions were necessary. Bills had been placed over the field.
Defendant denied that she returned to the spot where she had been picking peas, but Betts asserted that she did.
P.C. Edwin Handford, stationed at Great Mongeham, stated that at 10.30 a.m. on the 1st inst. he met defendant about 300 yards this side of the pea-field, which was just in the parish of Northbourne. Defendant was carrying a rush basket and a flour bag. She carried the bag in front of her. Witness went to the pea-field and saw Betts, and from what he told him, witness went back to the prisoner and asked her what she had got in her bag. She replied "Nothing." Witness replied that he was told she had peas there, and that he was going to search the bag. Defendant then said, "I have only got a few for a cook up." In the flour bag was a handful of bine with the peas not picked. In the basket was a quantity of picked peas and a quart bottle. Witness took her back to the pea-field, where the peas were weighed, and just turned the scales at 2lbs. Defendant then tried to argue with Betts that she picked the peas up round the scales, which was denied. The facts were then reported to Mr. Edgar, who prosecuted the prisoner.
Betts stated, in reply to the Bench, that even if defendant had picked the peas up round the scales she had no right to them, as they still belonged to Mr. Edgar.
Defendant said she did not intend to steal the peas as she had plenty of her own growing at home. She simply took a few to eat on her way home. - (Defendant took some peas from a bag she had with her in Court, and commenced to eat them, being sharply rebuked by Inspector Paramour and Ald. Solomon.) - She would not have taken them if she knew she was going to be brought to Court about it. She would not take any more, and she was willing to pay for those she had eaten.
The Bench having decided to convict, Inspector Paramour said defendant had been before the Court on two previous occasions in 1914 for drunkenness. Since then she has been living at Little Mongeham with a man. Previous complaints of crops having been stolen had been made, the theft having been traced to defendant, but the owner had declined to prosecute.
Ald. Solomon said the Bench would have to convict. To their minds the charge had certainly been proved. He was sorry to hear of the character defendant had had. She would be fined 7s. 6d., including costs.
Defendant said she could not afford to pay all that. The Bench would have to make it a little lighter.
Ald. Solomon intimated that the only alternative was Canterbury Gaol.
Defendant: Well, I do not see why I should go there.
The Bench allowed 14 days for the fine to be paid. Ald. Solomon hoping it would be a warning to defendant for the future. Although the peas only cost 6d. on this occasion, that sort of thing grew on one, and it might be 6s. next time. "Make up your mind not to take things which do not belong to you." added Ald. Solomon.
Defendant agreed to pay the fine in the time allowed.
See also: Deal, Walmer and Sandwich Mercury, October 26th 1914 - Annie Evans of Little Mongeham Cottages drunk and disorderly.
Also: Deal, Walmer and Sandwich Mercury, October February 1st 1919 - 'Neighbours at Variance' - Incident between Annie Evans and Mary Bishop of Gt. Mongeham.