The alleged robbery from a Ware jeweller

At Harlow Petty Sessions on Saturday, before J. Todhunter, Esq., (in the chair), R.C. Lyall, Esq., Newman Gilbey, Esq., William Harmer, a labourer, of Hoddesdon, was charged with stealing a horse, a cart, and a quantity of jewellery, the whole valued at £85, the property of Mark Kleiser, jeweller of Ware, at Roydon, on August 14th.

The prosecutor stated that he drove up to the Fish and Eels Inn, on the day in question, and went inside to do some work for the landlord, the Rev Dr Thackery, leaving his pony tied to the fence outside, with the cart attached. The back of the cart was locked, and contained bags of jewellery, clocks and plated goods. Witness called the prisoner, whom he had seen standing outside, into the inn to help him move a musical box, and gave him a penny for his trouble. Twenty minutes afterwards, when he went out, he found that the horse and cart had vanished, and the prisoner was gone also. After a time the pony and cart were found in a field, half a mile from the Fish and Eels, the pony being tied to a bough. The back part of the cart had been burst open, the leather bags inside had been cut or broken open, and the contents strewn about the field, in ditches, and in a manure heap. There were still some articles missing.

Some witnesses were called, but none saw the prisoner drive off with the cart.

Mr William Norris, butcher, of Hoddesdon, said he put his horse in and drove round with the prosecutor when he heard of the robbery. When they found the pony and cart in the field, he saw Harmer running away and shouted to him, but he would not stop.

Inspector Wedlock, of Harlow, said he arrived at the Fish and Eels upon other business on the afternoon of the robbery, and at once circulated information, together with a description of the missing man.

Police Constable Payne said he received into custody on the 16th inst, when he said he knew nothing about the robbery. He was searched, but nothing to connect him with the robbery was found. On the way to the station the prisoner asked the value of the goods stolen, and said the charge would have to be brought home to him.

Inspector Wedlock asked for a remand for a week, in order to find the missing articles, and this was granted.

The Chairman said the Bench wished to commend the prompt assistance of Mr Nicholls in tracing the pony and cart.

Inspector Wedlock said Mr Nicholls had rendered a great deal of help.