Why does George Tyacke confess to a crime he didn't commit in the novel, Wideacre?

George Tyacke's grandson tore down fences on the Common as Beatrice ordered them put up. When Beatrice had soldiers come to stop the destruction, three young boys —including George's grandson—were caught in the act. George's grandson gets away, but the other two are jailed. Fearing that they will be hanged, and that the search will continue for his grandson, George Tyacke comes to Beatrice, claiming that he instigated the destruction and that he was there.