By Isle of Wight Observer
A homeless man accepting an invitation for a cup of tea ended up at the centre of an unusual court case in Wroxall, in the Isle of Wight Observer published on 26th July 1919.
A FUNNY TEA PARTY.
John Beavis, gardener, of Wroxall, was summoned for assaulting Frank Cantelow, who described a tea party which formed the subject of the alleged offence.
Complainant, who said he had no home, related how defendant told him he could come and have a cup of tea with him at any time, so he went on Sunday to accept the invitation at Winston Cottages, Wroxall, taking his own food with him. Subsequently defendant, who was apparently dozing on the sofa, got up, knocked him down and he believed would have killed him had not Mrs. Beavis intervened so that he escaped.
The Clerk (Mr. John Fardell): “Do you think he was responsible at the time?” – “I should think not. He has his periodical attacks of this kind.”
Defendant, who had an impediment in his speech, told the Magistrates that his wife had given complainant food on several occasions and on the day in question he merely told him to clear out, as he did not want him.
Mrs. Beavis, the wife, also stated that her husband did not assault complainant, but told him to keep away. She added, “He would have given him a sound thrashing if it had not been for me. He ordered him out and ran after him. Three weeks ago he put him out.”
Case dismissed.