“Several persons were placed at the bar charged with a systematic course of depredation upon farm premises in the neighbourhood of Cuckfield and the adjoining parishes.

It was proved that articles of value, including agricultural tools, poultry, and provisions, had been stolen over a considerable period, causing great alarm among the farming interest.

One of the prisoners, when apprehended, was found to have concealed property beneath straw in a barn. Another witness stated that he had purchased goods from the prisoners at prices far below their value, being ignorant at the time that they were stolen.

The Chairman observed that such offences struck at the security of rural life, and must be punished with severity. Sentences of imprisonment with hard labour were imposed.”