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« on: Monday 06 June 22 13:51 BST (UK) »
ARSON IN KENT. At the Kent Assizes on Monday Albert Terry, a farmer, of Doddington, near Maidstone, was charged with wilfully setting fire to a flour mill belonging to him at Lenham, with intent to defraud. The facts were very remarkable. It was stated that about 12 months ago the prisoner drove up to the mill, which was insured, and suggested that the tenant, William Payne, should set it on fire, at the same time taking bags of shavings and placing them in the mill. Payne declined to accede to the request, and burned the shavings. In December last the mill was destroyed by fire, and on inquiries being made it was found that the prisoner purchased shavings and oil a few days before the fire. These being the principal points against him, Mr. Dickens, Q.C., who defended, endeavoured to establish an alibi, but the jury found the prisoner guilty, and he was sentenced to four years penal servitude. Cardigan Observer 30/1/1897