Stone throwing (1871)

Post date: Mar 18, 2013 11:19:1 AM

Extract from Maidstone Telegraph 8th July 1871. The school had introduced a new rule in 1864 that Windows broken by the children or other careless or wilful damage done by them to be paid by their parents.

PETTY SESSIONS. Monday, July 3rd. —Before J. W. Stratford, Esq. (in the chair), the Hon. and Rev. R. P. Nevill, the Rev. E. J. Shepherd, W. Lee, Esq., J. Rigg,Esq., and R. Alexander, Esq. .........

CAUTION TO STONE THROWERS.

David Cawsten, a lad, was charged with throwing a stone and breaking a window, the property of Mr.H. White, at Wateringbury, and thereby doing damage to the amount of 1s., on the 28th of June.

Mr. White said would withdraw from the charge if the damage was paid. He did not wish to press the case, but he was compelled to make an example as stone throwing was a frequent occurrence at Wateringbury.

The Chairman told the mother of the boy, who was present, that the boy would be discharged on her, paying the expenses of the summons and the damage which would amount to 6s. 6d. The boy would have to go to gaol for seven days if it was not paid.

The mother said she could not pay. She had been out of work, and would rather the boy go to prison.

Mr Lee-You must a nice mother to allow your son to go to prison. Have you no husband; why is he not here?

Mother -He does not like to lose time.

Mr. Leney —The magistrates will allow you a month to pay in.

Mother -It's no use; we cannot pay it. The boy had better go to prison.

The Chairman —Through your cavilling about you have increased the expence. The fine is 1s., the damage is 1s., and the costs 8s., all together 10s., or seven days imprisonment. We will allow you a month to pay in.

Mother— I would rather the boy go to prison for seven days.

The Bench not liking to send the boy to prison, gave the mother the month to pay in, before committing him.