Peace Day trial: George Saunders

George Saunders, aged 30, Laporte dye works labourer, of 23 York Street, Luton, was charged that: “On the 19th July 1919, together with divers other persons to the number of one thousand or more unlawfully and riotously did assemble to disturb the public peace, and then did make a riot and disturbance to the terror and alarm of His Majesty’s subjects there being, and against the Peace of Our Sovereign Lord and King, his Crown and Dignity.”

Appearing before magistrates in Luton on August 2nd, 1919, George Saunders was said by Sgt John Matsell to have shouted: “Let's fetch 'em out,” and joined hands with a number of other men and tries to rush the Town Hall. Sgt Matsell pushed him back.

Prisoner: “When he pushed me back I was off home.” The Clerk (William Austin): “You had enough of it?” Witness: “Yes.”

The Town Clerk (William Smith): “Up to the present we have had no difficulty, but in this case I withdraw the charge.”

Chairman of the Bench to prisoner: “Fortunately for you the Town Clerk has withdrawn the charge. The reason is that you went away when told. You will, however, be bound over to keep the peace for 12 months. The bond will be £10.”