History of Dover

George King another professional vagrant, was brought up by P.C. Richard’s charged with begging in a state of drunkenness on Saturday evening and assaulting the constable in the execution of his duty. P. C. Richard’s said he was passing the shop of Mr. Elgar at the bottom of St. James Street on Saturday evening when he found the defendant begging of Mr. Elgar and asking him for “the price of a night’s lodging.” Defendant was drunk Mr. Elgar pointing to the witness said “there’s a man who can give you a night’s lodging I dare say” and on defendant’s turning round he took him into custody.

Defendant was very violent and on the way to the Station House broke a stick in his assaults upon witness. The assistance of another constable (Bowles.) had to be procured in order properly to secure him. Defendant on being called upon for a reply said he knew nothing at all about it. He was to drunk to remember. He belonged to the Parish of Herne in this country and should be very glad to be there at the moment. (Laughter.) If the magistrates would let him go he assured them he would never come to Dover again as long as he lived. Superintendent Coram informed the Bench that the defendant was as incorrigible vagrant and had been committed two or three times already.

The Mayor said the magistrates were determined to protect the constables in the execution of their duty and in these cases of assault they were disposed to inflict a severe punishment. He would be fined 20s. and in default of payment sent to prison for one month with hard labour. Committed. (1859)