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AN ABOMINABLE OFFENCE. — William Florence and George Twelvetrees, gunners belonging to the 11th brigade of Royal Artillery, stationed at Hilsea-barracks, in the parish of Wymering, were charged with committing an abominable offence the one with the other. The taking of the evidence occupied a considerable time, and the court was cleared of the public. The prisoners were, with other men, in the prisoners’ room at the barracks on the 2nd inst., and were detected by their comrades, who immediately gave information to Bombardier Charles Howard, the non-commissioned officer of the regimental guard. The depositions having been completed and read over to the prisoners, they each made a rambling statement denying their guilt, and were fully committed to take their trial at the ensuing gaol delivery at Winchester. The prisoners seemed to treat the matter with the utmost indifference, and their behaviour frequently called for the interference of Mr. Superintendent Drew.
— Hampshire Telegraph, Wednesday 16 November 1870 source
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William Florence and George Twelvetrees, two men belonging to the 11th Brigade of the Royal Artillery, stationed at Hilsea, charged with having committed an abominable offence there on the 2nd inst., were committed for trial at the assizes.
— Portsmouth Times and Naval Gazette, Saturday 19 November 1870 source
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William Florence was indicted for committing an unnatural offence with George Twelvetrees, who was indicted for consenting thereto, at Wymering on November 2nd.
—Prisoners, who were privates in the Royal Artillery, were prosecuted by Mr. Russell.
—They were convicted of the attempt, and sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment.
—Neither prisoner had attained the age of 20, and the Judge said the beginning was a sad one for such boys.
— Hampshire Advertiser, Saturday 10 December 1870 source
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George Twelvetrees, unnatural conduct at Wymering—Twelve months’ hard labour.
— Salisbury and Winchester Journal, Saturday 10 December 1870 source
George died in prison, 30th May 1871. Tuberculosis. He made it about six months.
Todo
What happened to William?