Milk theft (1870)

Post date: Mar 19, 2013 8:45:59 PM

Extract from Maidstone Telegraph 11th June 1870.

STEALING MILK AT WATERINGBURY. George Laurence, labourer, was charged with stealing half a pint of new milk, value one penny, George Laurence, labourer, was charged with stealing half a pint of new milk, value one penny.

P.C. 122 deposed that at about half-past five o'clock on Thursday morning last, was passing Startfield farm, and saw defendant milking a cow into a bottle. As soon as the man saw witness,he got up and went away. Defendant—I did not run away. The constable said he called upon the man to stop, but just as he got up to him, defendant drew the cork out the bottle and threw the milk away. There was half pint of milk in the bottle. Defendant said he would give witness any allowance, if nothing was said about it. The cow belonged to Mr. Leney. Defendant pleaded guilty. Mr Leney's bailiff said the man was merely brought up as a caution to others.

The Chairman said it was a serious thing getting up early in the morning before people were about, and milking the cow. Defendant would be sentenced to 7 days' hard labour, but might have had three months.