Henry Skutts ca 1815-1873

[Sat 24 Dec 1859, Reading Mercury, Berkshire. Drunkeness - Henry Skutts, a tailor was fined 5s. for being drunk, in Duke Street, half-past two o'clock that morning, and allowed time for payment.] [Sat 22 Mar 1862, Birmingham Journal, West Midlands. Obtaining Meat means on False Pretences. James West, Park Street, labourer, and Henry Shutts, (sic) Stafford Street, shoemaker, were brought up, on remand, charged with obtaining a quantity of meat, value 12s., from the shop of Mr. Cozon. butcher, Dale End. Mr. Brown, who appeared the part of the prosecution, stated that he had been instructed not to press the charge against the prisoners. They were therefore discharged.] [Reading Mercury Saturday 27 April 1867. Borough Magistrates Office. Saturday, April 20. (Before Geo. Ball, Esq. and Dr. Woodhouse.) Drunkenness - A Drunken Tailor - Henry Skutts, a journeyman tailor, was again brought up this morning, charged with being drunk and using obscene language in Broad Street, on the 22nd inst. The charge was fully proved by P.S. Roby, who said the defendant was so violent that it required several officers to bring him to the station. He was sent to gaol for a week.] [Reading Mercury Sat 27 Apr 1867. Monday, April 22. (Before E. Micklem, Esq., W. Exall] Esq and W. S. Darter, Esq.) Drunkenness - Henry Scutts, tailor, of Cheltenham, pleaded guilty to being drunk in London Street, on Saturday night. Mr. Darter said that this was the 6th time in 18 years that the prisoner had been convicted of drunkenness. Prisoner was reprimanded and discharged for Disturbing the Peace.] [Reading Mercury, Saturday 05 December 1868. Drunkeness. Henry Skutts, a tailor, was sentenced seven days hard labour for being drunk and riotous in Thames Street, on the 2nd instant.] [Reading Mercury Sat 10 Apr 1869 Berkshire. Borough Magistrates Office. Drunkeness - Henry Scutts was charged with a like offence, and also with using obscene language in London Street, on Sunday evening. Defendant denied the charge. P.C. Johnson said the prisoner had created a disturbance at the "Drum," Mill Lane, where he lodged, and was expelled. Witness ordered him away, and he went back again once or twice. Witness afterwards saw him in London Street, and heard him use obscene language as if talking to himself, quite loud enough to be heard by persons passing along. Defendant used bad language several times in Mill Lane. Prisoner is a tailor by trade. Supt. Purchase said the prisoner used most filthy language when brought to the station, and was so violent all night that the men could not get any sleep. The Mayor said the prisoner had been brought there eight times before for a similar offence, and it appeared that a previous fine of 5s. remained unpaid - Defendant promised amendment, and was again fined 5s., the magistrates at the same time recommending him to follow the good advice which Mr. Jennings, the Temperance Missionary, had given him on a former occasion. He was allowed a week for payment. Wednesday, April 7.] [Reading Mercury Saturday 01 April 1871. Henry Skutts pleaded guilty to being drunk in the street on the 27th ult., and was fined 5s., and 5s. costs default to be committed to 7 days hard labour.] [Reading Mercury Sat 30 Dec 1871 Berkshire. Henry Scutts pleaded guilty to being drunk in the Queens Road, and was committed to seven days hard labour.] [Sat 13 Jan 1872, Reading Mercury, Berkshire. A Drunkard. Henry Skutts pleaded guilty to being drunk on the 9th instant, and having been so frequently before the Bench on a similar charge was lined 20s. and 5s. costs ;in default, to be committed to one month's hard labour. Defendant went to prison.] [Sat 27 Jul 1872, Reading Mercury, Berkshire. Borough Magistrates Office, Saturday, July 20. (Present: T. Harris, Esq., and Dr. Woodhouse.) Drunkenness. Henry Skutts pleaded guilty to being drunk in the Caversham Road. Defendant admitted that he had been convicted for drunkenness over twenty times, and said that he would take the pledge and keep it. The Mayor said that he did not object to people taking the pledge, but it ought to be felt that it was a very solemn thing to do, and ought not to be lightly taken.] [Sat 17 Aug 1872, Reading Mercury, Berkshire. Drunkenness. Henry Skutts pleaded guilty to being drunk in London Street. Defendant had been before the Bench twenty times on similar charges. Fined 3s. and 3s. 6d. costs; in default to be committed to seven days hard labour. The money was paid.] [Tue 22 Jul 1873, Western Daily Press, Bristol. Charge of Manslaughter named Brown, well known for his pugilistic abilities, has been apprehended upon coroner's warrant and committed the Reading Gaol take his trial at the next assize for the manslaughter of a journeyman tailor named Henry Skutts. It would seem that both men were at a public-house in Reading, and Skutts, who was alleged was under the influence drink, annoyed the prisoner Brown his chaffing. He left the house, but returned, and Brown prevented his admission. A few words passed between them and Skutts stepped back. Brown, who was standing on the steps the house, walked forward and struck a blow on the head, which knocked him down flat on back and rendered him senseless. The unfortunate man was taken to the Reading Union, never recovered consciousness.] [at 21 Feb 1874, Reading Mercury, Berkshire. The following is a list of prisoners :George Brown, 32, charged with the manslaughter of Henry Skutts, at Reading.] [Sat 07 Mar 1874, Reading Mercury, Berkshire. Berkshire Lent Assizes. Charge of manslaughter at Reading. George Brown, 32, hawker, was indicted with the manslaughter of Henry Skutts, at Reading, in July last. Mr Arthur Welch was counsel for the prosecution, and Mr Gough defended. Eliza Salt said "I am the daughter of Mr. John Salt, who keeps the "Clifton," Caversham Road, Reading. On Tuesday the 15th of July, the prisoner, Skutts, and two other men were in the house. Skutts used some aggravating words to Brown. Skutts then went out, and I did not see what took place. I asked the men present not to let Skutts come back again. He had said at the door "If you are a fighting man come out and Brown went out. Brown afterwards returned and went out again. He then came in with Mr. Wiltshire, and assisted to bring in the deceased. Cross Examined: The deceased was behaving in a very bad manner using abominable language. I promised to let him have his beer for nothing if he would go away. Mary Ann Waite, No. 2 Weldale Street said "On the day mentioned I was standing at the door of my father's house and saw the two men Brown and Skutts. Brown struck Skutts, and knocked him down. A few minutes afterwards I saw the prisoner and Mr. Wiltshire carry Skutts into the "Clifton" and shut the door. Prisoner struck Skutts with his fist. Cross Examined: Prisoner struck Skutts with his fist. Edard Cooper said, "I am a tailor, and live near the "Clifton". I saw Skutts come from the "Clifton" and return. Brown met him at the door and prevented him from going in. Brown talked to Skutts for a minute or two and then went up with his fist and knooked him down. Brown then went into the "Clifton" and shut the door. I saw Mr. Wiltshire come and pick the man up". Cross-examined "I did not see much passion between either men". William Arthur Slayter said, "I live at No. 8, Caversham Road. I saw Brown and Skutts on the pavement opposite the "Clifton." Prisoner struck Skutts in the face and he fell to the ground. Charles Wiltshire said, "I live in the Caversham Road, next to the "Clifton." I saw Skutts leave the "Clifton" and return. I saw him pitched over the kerb into the street; I did not see what caused him to fall. I went to raise Skutts, and saw blood flowing profusely from the left ear. We afterwards took him into the "Clifton." Mr T L Walford, surgeon, said, "I was called to see Skutts. He was in a cab insensible. He was put to bed in the infirmary at the Workhouse. Next morning I found him worse; and the next day he died. I made a examination. He had suffered from a fall which had produced extravasation of blood on the scalp, and the brain was materially injured. The skull was fractured on the left side; and I have no doubt the fracture of the skull was the cause of death. Mr. Gough submitted that there was no evidence to go to the jury. Richard Rees, Caversham said "I recollect seeing Brown at the Clifton. He was sober and well-behaved. Skutts came in he was very much intoxicated. He made a great noise used abusive language. The prisoner said "My good man, go." Skutts went out, and on coming back he was in the attitude of fighting. Brown went to the door and opened it. He said to Brown "You are the fighting man," and Brown said, "Go home you silly old gentleman, go home, I don't want to hurt an old man like you. Brown went up to him and he fell down I could not say that Brown struck him with his one hand or his fist." The jury Acquitted the prisoner, and the Judge expressed his concurrence in the verdict. The Court rose.] [H Skutts - 59yr.]