Bread and cheese will do !

At Ware Police Court, David Watkinson (47), of no fixed abode, was charged with begging, at Ware, on 19th January.

PC Perry said that on the night in question he was at his lodgings when the defendant came to the back door and asked the landlord for some food and money.  This was refused, whereupon the defendant went to the next property where this request was refused again.  The witness then put on his uniform and followed the defendant to the sub-post office at Musley Hill, where he was seen begging for money.  The Constable took the defendant into custody and, when searched, found 3 packets of bread and cheese, a tin of tobacco, and a shilling in money in his pockets.

The Bench sentenced the defendant to 7 days in prison with hard labour.