ONGAR, Nov. 21
Before Tyndale White (chairman), T. Atkins, H.E Barnard, and H. McCorquodale, Esqrs.
CONTABLES' DISGUISE. - Sidney George Skepelhorn, landlord of the White Hart Hotel, Moreton, was summoned on two informations for selling beer at a place other than that at which he was authorised to do so by his licence. - Mr. S. Wortley, who prosecuted, said that on Friday, Cot. 6, two constables were directed by Supt. E. Smith, of Epping, to disguise themselves as navvies and obtain work at the trenches. They obtained employment at Bobbingworth. About 10,30 in the morning defendant drove up in a wagonette. A number of navvies got out of their trenches and went to the trap. Defendant touch off a cloth and exposed a barrel of beer, glasses, etc. The policemen and others purchased beer, some of which was consumed there and then the remainder put into bottles. In the afternoon the same process was repeated, and one of the constables heard defendant say to a soldier, "Be careful; if anyone knows it I shall get transported." - P.c. Ridgewell and P.c. Bailey gave evidence. P.s. Denny said on Nov. 7 he went to the field with a search warrant, and found defendant there in the wagonette, selling beer. Defendant said, "I am not selling it. I am only bringing here what is ordered." - Defendant, on oath, said he told the men he could not supply beer unless he had an order. He was then told by the ganger what they wanted, and he measured it into a barrel and took it to them. He did not know he was doing anything wrong, because he had done a lot of the same kind of thing in connection with the Government printing factories in London, where beer ordered beforehand was taken in and supplied to the men at mealtimes. - Mr. H. McCorquodale, a member of the Bench, said he was one of the London printers to whom defendant had referred, and he had never known of any such practice. - The Chairman said defendant had given his evidence very frankly, but they formed the opinion that he knew he was doing wrong. He would be fined £2 and costs on each summons, £4 9s. in all, which was probably less than it would have been but for the fact that he had been very frank. - The Chairman added that he would like to compliment the two constables on their effectual disguise. Judging from a photograph before him, it was remarkably good.
Source: findmypast - Essex Newsman, 28 November 1914, Page 3