Petty sessions cases (1915-19)

Post date: Mar 28, 2014 4:44:37 PM

Animal cruelty (1918)Malling Police Court/Petty Sessions

(Kent archives PS/Ma/Sr/14 and 15 )

Typical cases heard at this time at Petty Sessions include desertion, not sending child to school, affiliation orders, theft, lack of license for cars, motor bikes and dogs, non-payment of poor rate, drunk and disorderly, riding bicycle without a light, indecency, breach of DORA regulations, working unfit horses, game trespass, failing to shade light.

The following are cases where a Wateringbury location is involved, together a few more such as

• the successful prosecution in August 1917 of The Viscount Falmouth for Breach of the Horses (Rationing) Order 1917 at Mereworth.

• the successful prosecution of Ernest Driver for a Breach of section 7 of the bread order 1917 at Nettlestead.

There are 6 cases of being absent without leave from the army (and 1 from RAF). This is not more than other surrounding parishes. Not all the names are identifiable as Wateringbury residents. Some may be just cases of overstaying leave. Towards the end of the war the P.C. was receiving a reward of 5s. for each such case. Absence without leave cases occurred even before the outbreak of war. Generally it is not felt that desertion was a significant issue for the British army (see Niall Ferguson The Pity of War p.344). The first was in May 1915 by a man who had won a good attendance certicate at Wateringbury School in 1906. 4 were on same day in September 1916 (hopping related?). 2 were in August /September 1918.

It is curious to see cases dealing with the ill-treatment of animals given the slaughter taking place 120 miles away.

The cases include just 2 cases (of which one dismissed) of failure to send children to school, an offence which was widely prosecuted within other parishes in the Malling district.

Notes:

1. Vicar of Wateringbury