Derbyshire Courier 4 Jul 1840

NISI PRIUS COURT,
Wednesday July 1.

C. Clarke, Esq., who had been previously chosen to the chair, took his seat on the bench about 11 o'clock.
   Peter Irish, aged 35, was indicted for stealing on the 8th April last, at the parish of Shirley, three tame ducks, the property of Mr. Thomas Maskery.
   Edward Walker, agent for Mr. Thos. Maskery deposed that he was superintendent of a farm of Mr. Maskery's at Hale's Green. On 8th April last, a little before dark, missed two ducks and a drake. Brisley and Tomlinson, the constable, came to him afterwards, and said something, in consequence of which he went to Ashbourne and found the ducks and drake.
   Mr. Welsh, clerk to the magistrates, deposed to the prisoner making a certain statement before Mr. Webster at Ashbourne
   This statement was read by Mr. Barber, and contained a full confession of his guilt.
   Prisoner said want had induced him to commit the crime; he had a large family, and had been in prison three months. —Guilty. One month's imprisonment, to hard labour.