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Criminal Capers

Richard Hann (1830-1904) was Constable No. 1 of the Dorset Police. He served at Blandford’s newly opened Police Station, located at the corner of Edward Street and Salisbury Road, from 1865-1867. Among his cases were:

Isaac Newton of Blandford was brought up before the Court, in custody of PC Hann, summoned with leaving his wife and family chargeable to Blandford Workhouse. The prisoner was committed for one calendar month with hard labour. (Dorset County Chronicle 13th July 1865)

George Paul of Blandford was summoned by PC Hann for allowing his horse to stray on the highway at Pimperne on the 13th August last.  The case was adjourned till the next Court sitting. Later, George Paul was fined five shillings (25p) for allowing cattle to stray on the highway. (Dorset County Chronicle Thursday 7th September 1865)

Edward Foster appeared to a summons charged with being drunk and riotous in the public street. Although he pleaded not guilty the case was proven by Constables Hann and Kail. Edward Foster was fined ten shillings (50p). (Dorset County Chronicle 7th December 1865)

Two dealers were summoned for being drunk and disorderly in Bryanston Street on the 2nd June. PC Hann said he saw the defendants there drunk and fighting. They were both fined two shillings & sixpence (12.5p). (Dorset County Chronicle 5th July 1866)

Constable Richard Hann was himself summoned by William Shave for committing an assault on him. The defendant admitted the offence and was fined five shillings (25p). (Dorset County Chronicle 19th July 1866)

William Coward & Ellen Button were charged by the police for being drunk and riotous in Bryanston Street. They were fighting and quarrelling with two others and the case was proven by PC Hann. The Bench thought it best to recommend defendant’s landlord get them out of the houses and consequently out of the neighbourhood. The case was therefore adjourned. (Dorset County Chronicle 16th August 1866)

Samuel Barnes, of Blandford, beer house-keeper was summoned by the police for keeping open his house for the sale of alcohol after 11 o’clock at night. PC Hann said he entered the defendant’s house at 17 minutes before midnight and found three boys and a man drinking. The Bench thought the police constable’s version of events was true and Samuel Barnes was fined two pounds & ten shillings (£2.50). (Dorset County Chronicle 31st January 1867)

William Coward was charged with leaving his horse and cart in front of the Black Bear Inn blocking the highway. He was inside drinking and was observed by PC Hann who was on duty in Salisbury Street. William Coward admitted the offence and was fined ten shillings (50p) (Dorset County Chronicle 25th April 1867)

Mary Ann Barnett, of Blandford St Mary, a servant was charged by PC Hann for stealing apples, belonging to Mrs Pelley, which she had picked up and took away with her. Her mistress, Mrs Higman, who lives next door, said that some of Mrs Pelley’s apple trees overhang her garden path and the defendant merely picked them up walking down the path. The Bench dismissed the charge. (Dorset County Chronicle 17th October 1867)

On the 26th December 1867, PC Hann transferred to Cranborne.

(Image: Richard Lane Hann, Constable No 1 of Dorset Police)

(Source: Policing Victorian Dorset by Maurice Hann (1989)

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