Joseph Hodgkins was convicted of stealing 8 cwt. of sulphate of ammonia, and four bags, the property of Messrs. Kimpson and Howell, at Alfreton, on the 26th July, 1880, along with an accomplice called Frank Leavers. Joseph Hodgkins was sentenced to 12 months hard labour and Frank Leavers 6 months hard labour. They were arrested on 27th November 1880 and their trial was held in Derby on 5th January 1881. A third man, Thomas Flowers, was sentenced to fourteen days imprisonment for receiving the sulphate of ammonia.