Leonard Rainbert HOPGOOD (1880- )

Leonard Rainbert HOPGOOD, son of Thomas Allen HOPGOOD (c. 1846-1925) and Alice RAINBIRT (c. 1849-c. 1929), was born on 26 Mar 1880.¹ He was baptised on 16 May 1880 in Newington, Surrey. - parents Thomas Allen and Alice, father a superintendant.² Leonard appeared in the census in 1881 at Shot Tar Wharf, Lambeth, London in Lambeth, London - 1, living with parents Thomas (35, wharf manager) and Alice (31), brother Charles W (3) and grandmother Mary HURRELL (55, bricklayers wife) [place believed to be 'Shot Tower Wharf' in Lambeth, where his father was the wharf manager, used for making lead shot and balls up till the 1960s].³ He appeared in the census in 1891 at Magdalen Street, St Botolph in Colchester, Essex - 11, scholar, living with parents Thomas A (45, restaurant keeper) and Alice (41), brother Charles W (12, scholar), and boarders Leonard O'BAILEY (22, cabinet maker) and Hebert WOODWARD (18, gardener).⁴ On 25 Mar 1898 there was a newspaper report: The Ipswich Journal - Friday 25 Mar 1898, Page 5

DISS RAILWAY OUTRAGE.

It will be remembered that a few Sunday evenings back a stone was thrown from Palgrave Bridge, near Diss, at a passing train; that the missile broke the glass of one of the look outs on the engine and hit the driver in the mouth, knocking out two or three of his teeth, also cutting him severely, with the result that he was incapable of following his employment for some days. Inspector G. D. Power, of the G.E.R. police, in conjunction with the Suffolk and Norfolk police, have been busily making enquiries, and it is believed that they have traced the offender.

AN ARREST.

Leonard Hopgood (18). an ex-Suffolk Militiaman, residing with his parents at the Diss Coffee Tavern, Crown Street, was arrested yesterday by Inspector Power, of the G.E.R., Police and Supt. Barnard, of Eye. He will be brought up for remand at Eye to-morrow. On 1 Apr 1898 there was a newspaper report: The Ipswich Journal - Friday 1 Apr 1898, Page 3

THE DISS RAILWAY OUTRAGE.

At Eye on Saturday, before Mr. T. E. Cracknell, Leonard Hopgood, a young man, of Diss, was charged with maliciously throwing a stone at an engine belonging to the G.E.R. at Palgrave on Sunday, March 6th. - Inspector G. D. Power, of the G.E.R., appeared to prosecute, and Mr. Donald C. Warnes, of Eye, appeared for the prisoner. - Inspector Power asked for a remand, as the G.E.R. authorities looked upon the case as a serious one. - Mr. Warnes would not oppose the application, providing that bail was allowed. - Inspector Power opposed bail, but in the end the Magistrates adjourned the case to April 4th, bail being allowed in a sum of £20, and two sureties of a like sum, which were forthcoming. On 8 Apr 1898 there was a newspaper report: The Ipswich Journal - Friday 8 Apr 1898, Page 7

DISS RAILWAY OUTRAGE.

ACCUSED COMMITTED TO THE ASSIZES

At Hartismere Petty Sessions on Monday, Leonard Hopgood, a shop assistant, of Diss, was charged on remand with feloniously and maliciously throwing a stone at an engine, on the G.E.R. with intent to injure the driver. Mr. Nettleship appeared on behalf of the Company, and Mr. D. C. Warnes for the defendant.

Mr. Nettleship briefly stated the facts, and added that on a reward being offered information was received which led to the present proceedings.

Charles Hatcher said he lived at Stratford, and was driving the 7.5 p.m. train from Diss, when on approaching the Rose Lane Bridge, Palgrave, a stone came through the eye glass of the engine, hitting him in the mouth, knocking two of his teeth out, and cutting his lip badly. He had to stay at home in consequence all the week. The train was travelling at from 15 to 20 miles an hour.

James Squire said on March 6th he, in company with the defendant and two other lads, went to the Rose Lane Bridge about seven. He saw-Hopgood pick up same stones, and just as the train was coming he saw him throw one. He said "i believe that went through the glass." He did not see the others throw stones. - In cross-examination he admitted having himself dropped some marl over the bridge, but he could not say whether the train had then passed. Offord also put it piece of marl over. The marl was soft. The stationmaster at Diss afterwards saw him, and he denied throwing a stone. He knew at that time, that a reward had been offered for information.

Percy Dack and Frank Offord corroborated. Meeting defendant several days afterwards he remarked, "That was a good shot, was it not?"

Inspector Power said he saw defendant on March 25th, when he owned being on the bridge at the time, but said he threw the stone at Dack.

Superintendent Barnard deposed to arresting, defendant, who made, no statement. A short time afterwards, when conveying defendant to Eye, he said "I suppose will be in it; they threw stones as well as me." Witness produced a sample of the stone used on the occasion.

Mr.- Warnes for the defence, contended that the defendant and the lads, who had given evidence for the prosecution were romping together, and that the stone was directed at the lad Dack and not at the engine. He argued that the testimony of the lads was given with a view to. "save their own, necks," and that it did not justify a committal, because there was a lack "malicious intent," which he contended was the essence of the charge.

Hopgood, who pleaded not guilty, was committed for trial at the assizes. On 11 Jun 1898 Leonard appeared in court. - Prison Registers HO140 (FindMyPast)

Name: Leonard Hopgood, bailed on committal;

Age: 18;

Trade: shop assistant;

Degree of Instruction: Imp.

Name and address of Committing Magistrate: J.G. Freeman, Esq., Aspal House, Debenham, Rev. S.B. Reynolds, Thorndon Rectory, Eye, Rev. A.E. Stantial, Bacton, Stowmarket, T.D. Cracknell, Esq., Eye, J.T. Frere, Esq., Roydon Hall, Diss, G.H. Wilson, Esq., Redgrave Hall, Botesdale

Date of Warrant: 4th April [1898]

When Received into Custody: Surrendered in Court 11th June

Particulars of Offence or Offences as charged in the Indictment: Feloniously and maliciously throwing a stone at a railway engine, and injuring the driver thereof, at Palgrave, on the 6th March, 1898. Second Indictment: - By an unlawful act endangering the safety of the driver of the engine.

When tried: 1898, 11th June

Verdict of the Jury: Not guilty, guilty [on second indictment]

Particulars of Previous Convictions charged in the Indictment and proved in Court: .....

Sentence or Order of the Court: To be set at large, having entered into his own recognizance in the sum of £50, with one surety for £50, to come up for judgement when called. On 14 Jun 1898 there was a newspaper report: The Bury and Norwich Post - Tuesday 14 Jun 1898, Page 5

TRIAL OF PRISONERS.

Leonard Hopgood (19), on bail, pleaded not guilty to a charge of maliciously throwing a stone at a railway engine, with intent to injure the driver thereof, at Palgrave, on the 6th of March. He, however, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour ; and Mr. Muir (who appeared for the prosecution) intimated that the first charge would be withdrawn. Mr. E. Wild, for the defence, called the prisoner's father, who said he kept the Coffee Tavern, Diss, and his boo assisted in the business. He had never had any previous complaints against him. The witness added that his son had expressed a desire to join the army, in which he himself had served 11 years. In reply to his Lordship as to the lad's character, and as to whether he was steady, witness said he wan about the same as ordinary lads.

His Lordship said he did not know any average which could be taken ; but was he given to drink ?

Witness : No, my Lord, he does not touch it at all.

His Lordship : Then he is above the average. (Laughter.)

Mr. Muir said the Railway Company had no desire to press the case, but in view of the frequency of such offences they felt bound to prosecute.

In this his Lordship concurred.

Sentence was postponed. On 14 Jun 1898 there was a newspaper report: The Bury and Norwich Post - Tuesday 14 Jun 1898, Page 8

SUFFOLK SUMMER ASSIZES.

TUESDAY.

.....

SENTENCES

......

In the case of Leonard Hopgood, who pleaded guilty to throwing a stone at a railway engine at Palgrave he was bound over in the sum of £50, his father being surety in a like sum, that he woald come up for judgment if called upon. Leonard was attested into the military on 16 Jun 1898 at Colchester. - Short Service Attestation; Army Service Corps, Driver, Ser. No. 13950; service record gives his address as Christ Church, Whitechapel, Middlesex, and names father Thomas Allen, mother Alice and brother [Charles] Walter, all three living at The Waveney Hotel, Diss.⁵ Btw 16 Jun 1898 and 5 Oct 1899 Leonard served on home soil. On 16 May 1899 he was appointed Lance Corporal. Btw 6 Oct 1899 and 13 Aug 1900 he served in South Africa. On 1 May 1900 he was promoted to Corporal. Btw 14 Aug 1900 and 24 Mar 1901 he served on home soil. On 30 Nov 1900 he was absent without leave. On 9 Dec 1900 he returned and was awaiting trial. On 22 Dec 1900 he was tried by court marshall on charges of absent without leave and reduced from corporal to the ranks. On 23 Dec 1900 he returned to duty as a driver. Btw 25 Mar 1901 and 22 Nov 1902 he served in South Africa. Btw 23 Nov 1902 and 22 Jul 1903 he served on home soil. On 4 Jan 1903 he was transferred to Army Reserve. On 8 Jun 1903 he was in custody of Civil Power for felony and forfeited pay. On 30 Jun 1903 he appeared in court. - Prison Registers HO140 (FindMyPast)

Name: Leonard Hopgood, Bound over in £50 to come up for judgement when called upon, 11th June, 1898, Bury St. Edmunds Assizes (feloniously throwing a stone at a certain engine used on the "G.E.R." with intent to injure the driver, at Palgrave).

Age: 23

Trade: Groom

Degree of Instruction: Imp.

Name and address of Committing Magistrate: J. Blake Maurice, Esq., M.D., Lloran House, Marlborough, and another.

Date of Warrant: 13th June [1903]

When Received into Custody: 10th June [1903]

Particulars of Offence or Offences as charged in the Indictment: Feloniously stealing 15/- inj money, one gold diamond ring, two gold Mizpah rings, one plated gold gentleman's ring, two silver watches, one gold watch, two gold watch chains, one silver watch chain and one gold bangle, value £5 and more, the property of Kate Harriet Piper, then being in the dwelling house of the said Kate Harriet Piper, at Ramsbury, on the 8th June, 1903.

When tried: 30th June 1903

Before whom tried: The Marquis of Bath, Longleat, Warminster, Chairman of the Second Court

Verdict of the Jury: Confessed Larceny in a dwellinghouse to a value over £5.

Particulars of Previous Convictions charged in the Indictment and proved in Court: .....

Sentence or Order of the Court: Imprisonment with hard labour for six calendar months.

Tried along side Florence Flatman

Details as about except:

Verdict of the Jury: Guilty of Larceny in a dwelling house to a value over £5.

Sentence or Order of the Court: Imprisonment with hard labour for three calendar months. On 22 Jul 1903 Leonard was discharged having been convicted of a felony by Civil Power - all service towards a pension was forfeited. On 15 Aug 1904 he appeared in court. - Prison Registers HO140 (FindMyPast)

Name: Leonard Hopgood; Bound over (throwing stone at engine on railway), 11th June, 1898, Bury St. Edmunds Assizes; 6 Months (larceny from a dwelling-house), 30th June, 1903, Warminster Quarter Sessions; 1 Month (stealing jewellery), 17th July, 1903, Chelmsford Petty Sessions, concurrent

Age: 24

Trade: Groom

Degree of Instruction: Well

Name and Address of Committing Magistrate: G.R. Jackson, Esq., Mayor, Reading

Date of Warrant: 10th June [1904]

When Received into Custody: 3rd June [1904]

Particulars of Offence or Offences as charged in the Indictment: On the 1st June, 1904, feloniously stealing in the dwelling-house of William Warren two watches, five rings, two chains, one locket, one pencil case, two necklaces, and one brooch, the property of Malvina Warren.

When tried: 15th August 1904

Before whom tried: The Recorder

Verdict of the Jury: Pleaded guilty and admitted prior conviction

Particulars of Previous Convictions charged in the Indictment and proved in Court: Warminster Quarter Sessions, 30th June 1903 (felony)

Sentence or Order of the Court: 12 Calendar Months (hard labourer). On 16 Jul 1907 Leonard appeared in court. - Prison Registers HO140 (FindMyPast)

Name: Leonard Rainbirt Hopgood; Bound over in £50, 11th June, 1898, Bury St. Edmund's Assizes, feloniously throwing a stone at an engine on the G.E. Railway, etc., as Leonard Hopgood; 6 months hard labour, 30th June, 1903, Warminster Quarter Sessions, larceny in dwelling-house, as Leonard Hopgood; and, 1 month hard labour, concurrently, 17th July, 1903, Chelmsford Petty Sessions, stealing jewellery, as Leonard Hopgood; 12 months hard labour, 15th August, 1904, Reading Borough Petty Sessions, stealing two watches, etc., as Leonard Hopgood; 18, 18 and 18 months hard labourer concurrently, 27th November, 1905 Liverpool Assizes, stealing key, knife, money, etc., as Leonard Hopgood

Age: 27

Trade: Baker

Degree of Instruction: VI

Name and Address of Committing Magistrate: J. Smith, Esq., Stipendiary Magistrate, Grimsby

Date of Warrant: 27th May 1907

When Received into Custody: 27th May 1907

Particulars of Offence or Offences as charged in the Indictment: Feloniously stealing on the 20th May, 1907, two watches, one albert, one medal, one ring, one razor and one case, one shirt, one bicycle, seven keys, and the sum of fifteen shillings and sixpence in money, the property and monies of James Sexton and another

When tried: 16th July 1907

Before whom tried: Isaac Saunders Leadam, Esq., Recorder

Verdict of the Jury: Pleaded guilty

Particulars of Previous Convictions charged in the Indictment and proved in Court: Liverpool Assizes, 27th November, 1905, as Leonard Hopgood

Sentence or Order of the Court: 18 calendar months imprisonment with hard labour. On 23 Apr 1909 Leonard appeared in court. - HO140: Home Office: calendar of prisoners

Name: Leonard Hopgood (alias Thomas Wallace); 6 months, Sessions, Warminster, 30th June, 1903 (stealing from House), Leonard Hopgood; 1 month, Petty Sessions, Chelmsford, 17th July, (stealing jewellery), Leonard Hopgood (concurrent); 12 months, Sessions, Reading, 15th August, 1904 (stealing watches), Leonard Hopgood;18 months, Assize, Liverpool, 27th November, 1905 (stealing key, money, &c.), Leonard Hopgood; 18 months, Sessions, Grimsby, 16th July, 1907 (stealing watches), Leonard Rainbert Hopgood; 3 years penal servitude, Middlesex Sessions, 6th February, 1909 (larceny in house), Thomas Wallace; 1 throwing stones.

Age: 28

Trade: Painter

Degree of Instruction: Standard IV.

Name and Address of Committing Magistrate: L.J. Watts, Esq. Colchester

Date of Warrant: 16th Mar. 1909

When Received into Custody: 16th Mar. 1909

Particulars of Offence or Offences as charged in the Indictment: Feloniously stealing 5 rings of the goods of Elizabeth Rose, at Colchester, on the 16th of December 1908

When tried: April 23rd 1909

Before whom tried: The Deputy Recorder

Verdict of the Jury: Pleaded guilty and to prior conviction

Particulars of Previous Convictions charged in the Indictment and proved in Court: 16th July, 1907, at Grimsby

Sentence or Order of the Court: 3 years penal servitude to run concurrently with his present sentence of 3 years penal servitude. On 1 May 1909 there was a newspaper report: Essex Newsman 01 May 1909, Page 3

COLCHESTER QUARTER SESSION.

Before Mr. W. B. Campbell, Deputy Recorder.

The Deputy-Recorder in his charge made suitable references to the serious illness of the Recorder, His Honour Judge Philbrick, K.C., and to the death of the late Mr. S. C. Goody, Clerk of the Peace.

Mr. Warburton, as senior member of the Bar present, and Mr. H. W. Jones, as senior solicitor, also joined in the Deputy-Recorder's remarks. .....

Leonard Hopgood, alias Thomas Wallace, baker, was indicted for stealing from the Peverel Hotel, North-hill, Colchester, on Dec. 10, a gent's gold snake ring and other articles, of Mrs. Elizabeth Rose, landlady of the hotel. - Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to three years' penal servitude, to date from that day, and to run concurrently with the sentence of three years which he is at present undergoing. Leonard appeared in the census in 1911 at H.M. Prison Parkhurst in Carisbrooke, Isle of Wight & Hampshire - 31, inmate in prison.⁶ In 1916 he. was included in the Habitual Criminals Register (1916):

(These records include details of habitual criminals for the period 1881-1936. These are the registers of habitual criminals kept by the police and circulated among the force on a regular basis. They include a detailed physical description noting all distinguishing marks and a full criminal record with notes on whether the convict had been apprehended.)

Office No.: 1066-05

Name, aliases, Prison, and Register No.: Tom Smith, alias Leonard Hopwood, Leonard Hopgood, Leonard Rainbirt Hopgood and Thomas Wallace j m 57, Portland

Date and Place of Birth: 1880 London

Height without shoes: 5ft 6¾in

Complexion: fr [fresh]

Hair: dk bn [dark brown]

Eyes: bl [blue

Marks: bird's head, "H.O.O.L. 1705," two hearts, scroll, "LUCY" and "LEN" r., flowers, clasped hands, "LUCY," "TRUE LOVE," "A.W.," &c., l. forearm; four dots r. and three l. wrist; ring fourth l. finger

Offence (in full), place of Conviction, and Officer in Case, or Place of Committal: House-breaking - Middlesex Sess. (P.C. Otton, 198S)

Sentence and date of Conviction: 5 yrs ps (& remanet of former sentence) 2-8-1911

Date when Penal Servitude expires or Supervision commences: 23-2-1918 (14 days appellant)

Date of Liberation, intended Address, and Occupation: 14-7-1916 Central Aid Association, London Carpenter. Leonard married Clara APSEY c. 1918 - reg: Weymouth Dorset.⁷ He was recorded on the 1939 Register living at 84 Ranelagh Road in Portsmouth, Hampshire. - church caretaker, b. 26.03.1880.⁸

Clara APSEY was born on 16 Aug 1893. She was recorded on the 1939 Register living at 84 Ranelagh Road in Portsmouth. - unpaid domestic duties, b. 16.08.1893.⁸ She and Leonard Rainbert HOPGOOD had the following children: