'Deal Walmer and Sandwich Mercury' September 26 1914
A Quarrel at Finglesham
At the County Police Court on Monday, before Ald. W. J. Solomon (in the chair) and Mr. C. J. Burgess, William Taylor was charged with assaulting Frederick Hawkes, at Finglesham on the 13 inst.
Defendant [William Taylor] pleaded "Guilty of striking him, but under provocation."
Prosecutor [Frederick Hawkes], a farm hand, who spoke with a very broad country accent, said he lived at Finglesham. On Sunday night week about a quarter past eight, he walked across the marshes with Taylor and went into the Crown Inn with him. Witness treated a woman to a glass of ginger beer.
"He (defendant) [William Taylor] got on to me about it, and I told him to look after his woman at Eastry." That was all. In consequence of that I suppose it got his blood up, and he got up and struck me in the face. He fair knocked me silly for about ten minutes."
The Clerk: "Don't you think it was a little indiscreet what you said?
Defendant [William Taylor]: Do you think it right to bring another woman in, knowing I was a married man with a wife and family? You insulted me with regard to this lady, didn't you?
Prosecutor [Frederick Hawkes]: And you insulted me, now come! I never said nothing more to you but what came over the table.
William Laming, living at Cottington Chalk-pit, said he saw Taylor knock his mate down, right across the legs, but he did not know what caused it.
The chairman: Do you mean to say you saw him do all that, and didn't hear what was the matter between them then? It is most difficult thing to believe, I must say.
Defendant [William Taylor] said they were sitting in the Crown enjoying themselves and a word or two passed between them. They were having a joke, and threw something in the defendant's face which happened 18 months ago, and which he was trying to forget. It was over in a minute and he was sorry for it directly and was sorry for it now.
Prosecutor [Frederick Hawkes]: I am 56 or 57 years old and you about 30.
The chairman said the Bench must certainly convict the case. They considered the case proven and defendant had pleaded guilty, although under provocation, which they certainly believed there was. There was nothing else known against him in the Court. He must not take the law into his own hands, and the provocation he received did not justify him knocking Hawkes about as he (the chairman) saw him when he applied for the summons. The costs were heavy, and they would fine him 5s and costs 4s 6d., remitting the remainder of the costs. The money was paid.