Arson threat by hopper (1868)

Post date: Mar 21, 2013 12:43:51 PM

Extract from Maidstone Telegraph, 19th September 1868

THREATENING TO BURN A FARM.

Thomas Humphrey, labourer, was brought up on remand charged with having threatened to burn the farm of Frederick Charles Leney, at Wateringbury, on the 11th September. It appeared that an altercation ensued amongst the hoppers, when defendant threatened to have his revenge by burning down the place. Mr. Augustus Leney certified to the language used, and asked that the defendant might be bound over to keep the peace. The bench ordered defendant to enter into his own recognizances of £10 and one surety £10 to keep the peace; in default he was committed for one month.