Village History
Statement
I’.C. McDonagh. stationed Steeple Claydon. said that 1’i.15 p.m. on April ’27 th visited Xo. 4. West Street, and saw number of used match-sticks on the stairs leading towards the bedroom door. 3.15 p.m., the same day, in company with Inspecto Higgs and Sergt. Sedgwick, saw the accused at his house. Accused was informed, bv Sergt, Sedgwick, of the full facts of the alleged offence. After caution, said hud got the wallet. Under Carpet In Car Witness described visit, with Sergt. Sedgwick and tbe accused, to an outside garage and stated that accused took black leather wallet (produced) from under the floor carpet of car and five £1 notes from small metal tool case secured to tbe wall of the garage. Witness stated that was present when accused made statement and that formally charged him at Buckingham Police Station with reference to the alleged stolen property, accused stating 1 emphatically deny stealing the Woodbines.” After examination of the wallet, only was in it. Moudav. ‘2Bl h April, accused told him ” I would like, to make full restitution for the £3 10s. which Mr. Hodges claimed excess of the £5 which I found in the wallet.” Replying Mr. Sale, witness agreed that accused was quite frank about the malter and told him that had a wallet in his possession. producing the wallet said that he had found it Ins |iockel. Witness believed that he said this before he made written statement. Got The Wallet Sergl. Sedgwick said that when he visited accused, with the other police ofh ers, said to him: ” We are making enquiries almiit a burglary at Mr. Hodges’s house West Street last night. You were found on the stairs of Mrs. Elliott’s house between I‘2 midnight and 1 a.m. I suspect that you know something about Mr. Hodges’s house. A wallet and cash were stolen.” Accused then sat and thought for a minute or two and then said ” I’ve got the wallet.” After giving corroliorative evidence with regard to the visit to the garage, Scrgt. Sedgwick said that accused wished to make a statement………………..to be continued.
Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press – Saturday 24 May 1952
