At the Norfolk Assizes, March 1826, Mr. Cooke sought damages for injury caused by landlords Mr. Wells and Mr. King.
In October 1824 the brewers, Messrs. Hogg and Allen, had claimed £57 10s in unpaid rent. Seeking to pay the debt by installments, Wells and King had passed over a bill of sale as security.
In December 1824, Mr. Cooke paid £50, but in March 1825, Wells and King directed a bailiff to take possession of the house against the bill of sale.
The bailiff took an inventory of goods and remained in possession for six weeks. On 3rd May 1825, Cooke paid £12 more to the landlords, leaving a sum of £5 10s. The bailiff left the house on 12th May.
It was discovered at the hearing that payment of £27 10s was not due until April and Messrs. Hogg and Allen had never applied for payment. It was further determined that the bill of sale was wrongly stamped and could not be received.
It was ordered that Wells and King were to pay all expenses of the hearing and Mr. Cooke was awarded £10 damages and costs of 40s.