Company Sergeant Major Arthur Gibson

Boys Bad Language

Five Dorking lads, Alfred Brown, Arthur Gibson, Thomas Kelsey, William Copas, and George Dudley, were summoned for using obscene language on September 24th. Edward Dodd, caretaker at the Dorking Parish Church, said that at 8.30 on the evening in question he saw a number of lads, including defendants, on the church steps by the west door; they were using very disgusting language and creating a great disturbance. People were passing up and down from time to time, and numerous complaints had been received about the noise and the bad language. PC Ayton deposed to receiving a complaint from the last witness, and to going down to the west door of the church, where he heard the lads making use of filthy language regardless of the people passing. Witness ran after them and succeeding in catching Brown; he saw the other defendants the next day, and all of them said they were very sorry. The language which defendants used could be heard 20 or 30 yards away. Each of the defendants who, with the exception of Gibson, pleaded guilty, was fined 2s. the Chairman remarking that the Bench would deal with them, or any others who were before them, more severely in the future. He could not understand how boys of their age could make use of such foul language.

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ALLEGED MISTAKEN IDENTITY – Fredk Gibson and Arthus Gibson of 35 Mill Lane, were summoned for riding bicycles on the London Road on the night of Feb. 22nd, without a light. P.C. Gray stationed at Mickleham, said that at one o’clock on the morning of the 22nd Feb, he was passing Denbies Lodge when he heard cyclist coming behind him. He looked round and saw two lads riding side by side without lamps. He identified the defendants. He shouted to them to stop. Frederick Gibson jumped off several yards before he got to him; his brother rode on and nearly cut witness over in the road. Witness blew his whistle, thinking that another constable might be on the road, but this seemed to make Arthur Gibson go faster than ever (laughter). Frederick Gibson came up to him pushing his bicycle and said “Got a match governor?” Witness asked him why he was riding without a light. He replied “What do you mean? I am walking.” Witness said “Don’t bluff me, you were riding without a light.” Defendant denied this, and further said he did not know who the other cyclist was, and that he (defendant) was alone. Frederick Gibson asked the constable what right he had to search him. The constable replied that he did not know at the time who he was, or what he had been up to. He denied that he threatened to ‘clout’ the defendant. As regards Arthur Gibson, he was positive he had not made a mistake. Giving evidence on his own behalf, Arthur Gibson said on Wednesday “Feb 22nd” he arrived home at half past five. He stopped indoors all the evening playing dominoes with two witnesses who he had in court, and went to bed at 11 o’clock. Questioned as to the date, defendant said he meant Wednesday February 21st. He had not ridden his bicycle that week. Cross examined by Supt. Coleman, defendant said he never went to Croydon that week, and was therefore not at the Empire Theatre on the night in question. Supt. Coleman “Should you be surprised to hear that you were seen outside the Empire Theatre with your brother at 8 o’clock on Wednesday 21st February? Defendant : Not me, Sir. Supt Coleman said under the circumstances he should have to ask the magistrates to grant an adjournment to enable him to bring further evidence. The case against both of the defendants was then adjourned for a fortnight.

A CYCLIST’S SUCCESSFUL DEFENCE

The adjourned summons against Frederick and Arthur Gibson, living at 35 Mill Lane, for having ridden their bicycles on the highway at Mickleham without a light on the early morning of February 22nd was heard. At the last hearing, it will be remembered, Arthur Gibson denied that he was cycling with his brother on the occasion in question, or that he was at the Empire Theatre at Croydon earlier in the evening. The case had been adjourned at the request of Supt. Coleman to enable the police to call additional evidence. Arthur Allen Otway of 3 Arundel Road, now said that on the evening of February 21st, he saw Frederick Gibson outside the Empire Theatre. In answer to Supt. Coleman witness said he did not see anyone with the defendant. He told the constable it was the Gibson who did the Polesden round for Mr. Pilcher. Arthur Gibson now repeated his denial on oath, and said he was not on his bicycle that week. On Wednesday evening, February 21st, after leaving work, he remained indoors all the evening playing dominoes with his brother Harry and Miss Capon. In answer to Supt. Coleman, defendant said his master was away that day, but the cashier did not let him and his brother off an hour earlier for the purpose of going to Croydon. He did not do the Polesden Lacey round, nor had his brother ever done it. He would swear that he was not on his bicycle that night, and that he not ask the watchman on the Railway Company’s bridge on the London Road for a light. John Gibson, a brother, said when he got home at ten minutes to eleven his brother was indoors. His mother told him he had been in all evening playing dominoes. Fred went to Croydon on his brother’s bicycle, and next morning he told him the policeman had stopped him at Mickleham. Eva Capon said on the Wednesday evening she went to Mrs. Gibson’s house, and played dominoes with Arthur and his brother. Arthur did not go out all the eveningm and went to bed before she left at 11.30. The Bench dismissed the summons against Arthur Gibson, and fined his brother £1. including costs.

Arthur Gibson Court Report © Dorking Advertiser findmypast