Tag: June 1857

Newton Abbot: How the “Rurals” Preserve Peace: We have had about seven weeks experience of the “Rurals”, and very disagreeable one it is. There is a strong feeling against the act itself, but the officious way in which it has been carried out here has undoubtedly incensed all classes against it and its officers: Annoyance and insult have been used towards persons whose character and positions should have placed them above suspicion. The gentlemen of the neighbourhood were conversing together in the market on Wednesday week; they instantly became objects of suspicion to the P.C.s and had the mortification of being dogged about the whole day…  (discussion of examples) … (includes) … P.C. Winchester, sworn, was on duty on the 24^th June, near the Commercial Inn, in Highweek Street, prisoner opposed him in the execution of his duty. He asked him to leave and not stand there … …The Magistrate asked Winchester whether he wished to ask the witnesses any questions, to which he replied “No, I know they will swear falsely.” Mr. George Davis, timber merchant, has been fifty years in the business: about quarter past six last evening, saw defendant near Mr. Pinsent’s house, and stopped talking about five minutes on business. He went on and turned before he came to the Bank and saw the defendant in custody. When he came into town he passed through the crowd, and enquired what was the matter, and was told Mr. Mitchell had been insulted by the policeman – whist speaking he was ordered to move on. He told Winchester he had better move on himself, as he was the cause of all the disturbance, when the prosecutor threatened to lock him up. Defendant had not left two minutes when he saw him in custody… 

Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.

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