File:Louis Offie, arrested for theft, indecent conduct and assault (17006243032).jpg

English: Name: Louis Offie

Arrested for: not given
Arrested at: North Shields Police Station
Arrested on: 13 March 1907
Tyne and Wear Archives ref: DX1388-1-105-Louis Offie
The Shields Daily News for 13 March 1907 reports:
"COLOURED MAN IN TROUBLE AT NORTH SHIELDS. DISGRACEFUL CONDUCT.
At North Shields Police Court today, Louis O. Fie (30), Seychille. a coloured man, was charged with having stolen a stone of flour and a quantity of yeast, valued at 1 s 6d, the property of Peter Spokes, refreshment house keeper, Clive Street, on the 12th ult. Prosecutor said the accused and another man came to his house and had tea, after which they left. When they had gone he missed a quantity of flour and yeast and gave information to the police.
E.S. Slater, manager of the Crane House, New Quay, said that last night the prisoner, in company with two other men, came into the bar and asked for a drink. They were drunk and were refused. It was found necessary to eject the prisoner, who was carrying a parcel of flour, which he threw down in a temper when outside. Evidence of the arrest having been given the accused was formally charged and pleaded not guilty. He said the flour was taken by his companion and it was his intention to return it.
Prisoner was also charged with indecent conduct in the presence of two young women in Dene Street last night. Evidence having been given, the accused emphatically denied this charge also.
There was a third charge against the accused of having indecently assaulted a young girl in Lawson Street. The Chief Constable reduced the charge to one of common assault. Prisoner said he was not guilty.
The magistrates found him guilty upon them all and committed him to 7 days for the theft, six weeks on the second charge and six weeks for the assault, one to follow the other. The Chairman (Lieut.-Col. Haswell) conveyed the thanks of the Bench to the two young women and the girl who had given evidence, for the public service they had rendered in coming forward to prosecute in such an unpleasant manner".
These images are a selection from an album of photographs of prisoners brought before the North Shields Police Court between 1902 and 1916 in the collection of Tyne & Wear Archives (TWA ref DX1388/1).

(Copyright) We're happy for you to share this digital image within the spirit of The Commons. Please cite 'Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums' when reusing. Certain restrictions on high quality reproductions and commercial use of the original physical version apply though; if you're unsure please email archives@twmuseums.org.uk.