"FOUR cab drivers appeared as witnesses at the Malvern County Court on Monday, when the death of an Irish terrier formed the subject of inquiry," reported the Gazette a century ago.

"The dog had been killed by a motor, and the cabbies - two subpoenaed by one side and two by the other - were questioned as to the pace of the car.

"They dealt with the doings of the motorcar in a tolerant spirit, so much so that the Hon R Coventry, counsel for the defence, made a point of their evidence. He said that experience had proved that cab drivers were the last people to say anything in favour of motorcars, but here none of them would say that the car was travelling at excessive speed."

The case was brought by the owner, who valued the dog at £10, "but the judge held that no dog of this sort was worth much more than two guineas unless it was a show dog, and gave judgment accordingly".