September 10, 1904

William Jackson, who refused to give his address, was brought up on remand, charged with begging alms in Red Lion Street, on September 3rd.

Benjamin Freeman, of Walford Street, a stoker at the Electricity Light Works, deposed that he was going to work with another man on Saturday morning, when he met prisoner between the second-hand shop and the "Jubilee Oak".

He was wringing wet and had a bag over him.

Witness said to him, "Mate, you look as if you have had a rough night."

Prisoner than asked him for a penny and witness replied he had not got anything less than a five-shilling piece, or he would give him one.

Prisoner then turned round and used most filthy language, and then followed them up the street and continued his behaviour.

Witness told him he should give him in charge.

Prisoner then came towards him and threatened him.

Prisoner said the witness had no reason to speak to him at all.

He spoke to the witness in the same way as he did to him and it was more for a lark than anything else.

Frederick Richmond, labourer, Walford Street, corroborated the previous witness, and said prisoner's language was "not fit for a dog to have".

Prisoner said he only asked for a half-a-pint.

The witnesses were two hypocrites.

Asked if he would give evidence on his behalf, prisoner said: "It was not in his line".

The Bench took into consideration the fact that prisoner had been locked up since Saturday, and discharged him on this charge.