November 2, 1897
During the progress of the Aston Villa and Liverpool match at Aston Lower Grounds, on Saturday, Detective-inspector Ravenhall and Detective-sergeant Whitcroft, of the Aston police, were watching two men named William McKenzie, better known as “Little Punch,” of no fixed address, and George Luckett, of 16 Court, 2 house, Russell-street, who were acting in a suspicious manner among the crowd.
“Punch” being seen to touch the pockets of the spectators. As they were leaving the ground the officers arrested them, and yesterday they were charged with being present with intent to commit a felony.
Detective Heffernan, of the City force, produced a record of previous convictions against McKenzie, who was sent to gaol for three months.
There were no previous convictions against Luckett, though Heffernan said he was the companion of thieves and sharps.
Prisoner was given the benefit of the doubt and discharged.
(Source: Liverpool Echo: November 2, 1897)
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