What came of ''giving vent to his feelings'' - petty sessions

Hertfordshire Mercury, 23rd March 1907

Transcript

Thomas Perry, a roadman, of Little Hadham, was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Little Hadham, on the 28th ult.

P.C. King said that he was at Hadham Ford at 11.40 p.m., on the 28th ult., when he heard someone coming from the direction of Bury Green, and using very bad language. Several times the man fell down, and when he got in the road witness recognised him. He used dreadful language, again fell down, and then witness with the aid of P.C. Jaquest took him home, the father unlocking the door to admit him. P.C. Jaquest corroborated and said that when the defendant got in the road he shouted ”Now I’ll give vent to my feelings.”  He threw P.C. King down, and it took them a quarter of an hour to get him home, a distance of only 100 yards. He was mad with drink.

The defendant said the Constable struck him in the chest and eye, and it passed his comprehension that police officers should concoct such evidence, as he was not drunk but excited. Henry Perry, the father, who was nearly deaf,  said his son was brought home by  the police at 12 p.m. His face was bleeding and both eyes discoloured owing to the treatment he had received. The Constable explained that his condition was due to his falling about. Mary Perry, who was deafer than her husband, said she got out of bed and saw the police use her son cruelly and brutally in the garden, the night being moonlight.

The Chairman said the Bench could do nothing but commit the defendant, who was evidently at the time in a very mad condition owing to drink. Of the nine convictions recorded against him, six were for direct drunkenness and disorder, and in all probability the other two were due to a similar cause. It was over two years since the defendant had appeared there, and it was hoped he had given up the habit.

A fine of 10 shillings with 7s 6d. costs would be inflicted, or in default a week’s imprisonment. A week was allowed for payment.

 

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