The Trial and Conviction of John Church / The Preacher of the Surrey Tabernacle, Borough Road, at the Surrey Assizes, at Croydon, on Saturday, the 16th of August, 1817, for an Assault With Intent to Commit an Unnatural Crime.

by Anonymous

Do you know the defendant, John Church?—Yes.

What is he, and when did you become acquainted with him?—He is a Baptist preacher; and I first became acquainted with him when I came to Vauxhall.

Did you attend his chapel?—Yes.

And you so became acquainted with him?—Yes.

Where was his residence?—Adjoining the chapel.

Now, in the month of September, upon any occasion, and what, did he come to sleep at your house, and did you put a bed up for him?—Yes.

On what occasion was it?—He had complained of ill health occasionally; and thinking that he was ill, I asked him out of friendship to take a bed at my house, supposing that the air would be of service to him.

You live near the river?—No; not very close.

You say you were out from home on the 25th of September. When did you return?—On the evening of the 26th.

Upon your return, did the boy, Foreman, make any communication to you?—He did the next morning when I saw him. I returned on the evening of the 26th.