Robert Clarke, Jonah Nash, and William Nichols, labourers of Castlethorpe, were charged with trespassing on land in the occupation of the Executors of the late William Pike, in search of rabbits.
Clarke denied the charge. Nash and Nichols pleaded guilty.
Joseph Feasey, gamekeeper, Castlethorpe, stated that on Sunday, the 29th ult., he, in company with James Hollis, saw four men in a field in the occupation of Mr. Pike, at Castlethorpe. One watched, and the other three were kneeling down in the hedge as though they were digging. When they saw witness and his companion they ran off, leaving 3 nets, a bar, and a digger (produced). Witness also found 2 rabbits, one just killed.
James Hollis, Haversham, stated that on the 29th ult. He accompanied Feasey to Mr. Pike’s farm, and there saw four men, three of whom were the defendants, but the fourth he did not know. He knew them at once, and was quite certain as to Clarke, as he got within 15 yards of him. Witness told them they need not run, as he knew them. He saw the articles produced picked up.
Clarke was fined 10s, and 14s costs, or fourteen days; and Nash and Nichols 10s. 8s 9d. costs each, or seven days.
Robert Clarke was further charged on a warrant with steeling a quantity of osiers on the 31st. of January, 1884, but absconded and had not been heard of until this summer.
James Hollis stated the facts of the case, and defendant was fined 4d., and 16s 8d. costs, or fourteen days.