James Pigott, of Adelaide-street, George Bourne, of Blacksmith’s-lane, and William Rogers, of Bernard-street, were summoned for gaming with cards in the St Peter’s churchyard, on March 23rd.

P.c. Childs said that on Friday, the 23rd inst., at 5.30 p.m. he was on duty in St Peter’s churchyard and saw three persons sitting under a fence near Miss Lydekker’s. [Hall Place] He saw they were playing cards, and as he could not recognise them without being seen, he went into Miss Lydekker’s garden and looked over the fence. He then caught them in the act.

Henry Percy Brewer, butler at Miss Lydekker’s, said he accompanied Childs and saw the defendants playing cards in the churchyard.

Defendants said that the only cards they had were subscription cards of the Labourers’ Union.

The Mayor [Albert Rowden] said there was no doubt that they were playing cards, and they not only chose a public place but also a churchyard. Piggott had been previously convicted and was evidently the ring-leader. He would be fined £1 including costs, in default 14 days; and the others would have to pay 5s, including costs, or go to prison for 7 days. Allowed a week to pay.