John Heterick

Assistant superintendent to the north union railway company. The following item appeared in the Lancashire Evening Post newspaper (Lancashire, UK) on 16/01/12: RAILWAY LOST PROPERTY THEIF In April 1848 John Hetterick, 40, was brought before the magistates at Preston Town Hall on suspicion of stealing from the railway. He had been employed for two years as Assistant Superintendent by the North Union Railway Company. Suspicion fell upon him when he arranged for a carter to move his belongings from a railway cottage in Charles Street to a lodging house in Church Street. He appeared anxious wanting his property be moved at night under cover of darkness. One of Hetterick's duties was to look after lost property and to enter details in a ledger at the railway station. His behaviour during the removal led the carter to speaking with the railway police and a search of the new house uncovered items which appeared to have been entrusted to him after being lost on the railway. Within days Hetterick appeared at the Preston Quarter Sessions accused of stealing items including a rosewood dressing case, a mahogany writing desk, walking sticks, umbrellas, books and clothing. Evidence was stacked up against him and the magistrates consulted for a short while before finding the case proven. Hetterick was then informed that he would be transported for seven years.