Village History
Found Guilty
Steeple Claydon House-Breaking took great interest in his home and garden. His wife was very upset about this and was prepared to stand by her husband whatever happened. About four years ago he was thrown out of a motor vehicle and sustained head injuries. CLERK ON PROBATION Replying to Judge Dale, Mr. Strong said that he did not think that accused would find keeping off alcohol a great hardship. Judge Dale commented that it seemed to affect him more fiercly than it ordinarily effected people and for the defence it was stated that h had not touched a drop since the offence. A Steeple man who was stated to have long record of honourable employment,” and to have suffered head injury and to lx- more than usually susceptible to drink, was placed on probation for two years Judge E. T, Dale Bucks Quarter Sessions on Tuesday on a charge of housebreaking in his own village. A doctor’s repoll was presented and it was suggested that certain outpatient treatment would help accused who said that he would like to benefit by such treatment. Character Very Good Accused was Arthur Bernard Chambers, 5, Challoners Hill. Steeple Clayclon. who pleaded guilty felonouslv breaking ami entering the dwelling house Edward John Thomas Hodges, -}. West Street. Steeple Claydon on the night Sunday, 27th April and felonously stealing leather wallet containing 1 in treasury notes. A further charge felonously breaking and entering the house of Annie Keziah Elliott, 6, West Street, Steeple Claydon with intent to steal, was not proceeded with, accused’s plea of not guilty being accepted. Village Resident Awakened Judge Dale told accused that they did not think it would be the right thing to send him to piison. His character had previoulusly been very good and they were willing to accept the statement that he did not know what he was doing. They were making Probation Order for two years and they could make it a condition of the Order that he submitted himself to treatment Dr Martin who thought he could help him, for a period of twelve months. .. It was stated, previously reported in the Buckingham Advertiser, that Mr. Hodges was awakened by the light of a match and called out and got up and went downstairs ; but could not see anybody. He found his wallet and its contents missing from a hip pocket Accused was interviewed by Police Officers and after caution, said I have the wallet.” He took them to a garage and took a wallet from under the floor carpet of car and five £1 notes from a small metal tool case. Later he said that he would like to make full restitution of the I os. which Mr. Hodges claimed in excess of the £5. He made a statement in which said that he was under the influence of drink and did not remember being in this house.
Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press – Saturday 05 July 1952
