Gone for a Burton

 

William Burton, 24, labourer, and Frederick Fisher, 24, both of no fixed abode, were charged with being concerned together in breaking and entering the coffee stall at the Station Approach, Waltham Cross, on January 6, and stealing eight packets of cigarettes, value 4 shillings , the property of Edward Haigh.

PC William Lawrence, Cheshunt , stated that about 3.35 a.m. , on January 8 , he was on duty in High Street , Waltham Cross , when he heard an unusual noise ,  which appeared to come from the direction of Eleanor Cross Road.  He went there, until he came to the coffee stall at the Station Approach , when he heard voices inside the stall and noticed that the padlock had been forced.  Going inside , he saw Burton and Fisher, and asked them what they were doing.  Burton put his right hand in his hip pocket , and witness pulled his hand away and said  ” It would be far better if you came quietly.”    Witness told them they were both arrested for breaking into the stall, and cautioned them. Burton said , ” You win this time officer .”

Witness took them to Cheshunt Police Station , where they were charged and again cautioned . On searching Burton, witness found a toy pistol ( produced ) in the hip pocket .

The Clerk : It is only a toy .

Witness : But quite capable of inflicting injury if held close to one’s eyes. Witness added that he also found four packets of cigarettes and a torch. Fisher had in his possession three Westminster Bank bags and four packets of cigarettes. On searching the premises with Mr Haigh, witness discovered two bars of iron (produced).

Edward Haigh, 2 Alexandra Road, Waltham Cross, the owner of the stall, said that on January 5 he left the stall safe at about 9 p.m. ,  and when he went there at 4.45 a.m. the next day , he found there were eight packets of cigarettes,  value 4 shillings, missing.

The Bench decided to reduce the case to one of larceny, and both prisoners pleaded guilty .

The Bench sentenced each prisoner to three months’ hard labour.