"The North Wales Chronicle and Advertiser for the Principality" 22 January 1881 (digital images), Welsh Newspapers Online(https://http://newspapers.library.wales, accessed: 23 January 2018), page 6, column 7, headed Carnarvonshire Assizes subheaded Stealing a Duck.
Text from source:
Stealing a Duck.--Griffith Roberts (43), stonemason, was charged with stealing a duck, the property of Thomas Williams, on the 1st of January.--Mr Ignatius Willams prosecuted. The prisoner was not defended. The prosecutor is a farmer living at Mochlawrhos, Llandwrog, and on the night of New Year's day a duck was stolen from his premises. Information was given to the police, and the pritoner was apprehended by Police-constable Powell, a clue being given by the footmarks near the spot which corresponded with the shoes the prisoner was wearing. The wings and head of the stolen duck were found in a field near the prosecutor's farm, the footmarks being visible almost the entire distance. Blood and feathers were also found upon the prisoner's clothes. The prisoner called several witnesses with the view of setting up an alibi, and to prove that he was not near the prosecutor's house on the night of the robbery. The jury, however, found him guilty. There was a second charge of theft against the prisoner, but it was not proceeded with. He was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment, with hard labour.
Text from source:
Stealing a Duck.--Griffith Roberts (43), stonemason, was charged with stealing a duck, the property of Thomas Williams, on the 1st of January.--Mr Ignatius Willams prosecuted. The prisoner was not defended. The prosecutor is a farmer living at Mochlawrhos, Llandwrog, and on the night of New Year's day a duck was stolen from his premises. Information was given to the police, and the pritoner was apprehended by Police-constable Powell, a clue being given by the footmarks near the spot which corresponded with the shoes the prisoner was wearing. The wings and head of the stolen duck were found in a field near the prosecutor's farm, the footmarks being visible almost the entire distance. Blood and feathers were also found upon the prisoner's clothes. The prisoner called several witnesses with the view of setting up an alibi, and to prove that he was not near the prosecutor's house on the night of the robbery. The jury, however, found him guilty. There was a second charge of theft against the prisoner, but it was not proceeded with. He was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment, with hard labour.