BIRD IN COURT: Leicester Magistrates Hear Unusual Witness: The soft trill of the linnet was heard in the City Police Court this morning when, undaunted by the drabness of the surroundings, the tiny bird turned towards the Magistrates and poured forth its sweet melody. The reason for, this pleasing interlude: was that John Arthur Pinsent, licensed victualler of the “Sir Charles Napier lnn,” Causeway Lane, was summoned for confining two goldfinches and two linnets in cages which were not big enough to allow them to stretch their wings. A witness named G. H. Bastard, of De Montfort Street, told how he was passing the Inn and caught sight of the birds. The Act, he said, was only parsed last May. Mr. H. G. Bennett (defending): And it only appears in one textbook published this morning. The defendant then produced one of the birds, and for a few moments the dull colours of the court were lost in the glory of the bird’s song. The Magistrates, Clerk, solicitors and even the newspapermen were impressed. The Chairman (Sir Jonathan North) dismissing the Case, commended the witness for coming forward and granted costs.
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Referenced
GRO0515 Tiverton: John Arthur Pinsent: 1869 – 1930