The Proceedings of the Old Bailey

 

547.   ABRAHAM ROBUS was indicted for feloniously stealing, on the 30th of October , seven

handkerchiefs, value 6s. and two yards and a quarter of muslin, value 6s. the property of   Edward Gibson , privately in his shop .

  EDWARD GIBSON sworn. - I am a linen-draper ,  No. 49, Bishopsgate-street Without ; on Wednesday evening, at six o'clock, while I was at tea, my shop-bell rang violently; I went down stairs, and there was a gentleman who had hold of the prisoner's collar, and the property was all over dirt; I asked the prisoner what he meant to do with them; he said, he should certainly have pawned them; he begged for mercy, and said he would never do the like again; I sent for a constable, and gave charge of him.

  GEORGE AUBREE sworn. - I stopped the prisoner at the corner of Artillery-lane, Bishopsgate-street; a few doors before I came to Sun-street, the prisoner past me, and a young man after him, calling, "stop thief!" I pursued, the young man was scuffling with him, and he would certainly have got away from him, if I had not come up; I took him back to the shop; I did not pick up the things.

  JAMES TURNER sworn. - I live as shopman with Mr. Gibson; on Wednesday evening, about six o'clock, our lad was shutting up the shop, and I was clearing some things from the horse that stands at the door; I saw some pocket-handkerchiefs drawing towards the door; I immediately went to the door, and saw the prisoner in the road, winding the things round his hand; I pursued him and laid hold of him; his hands were entangled in the things; he wanted me to take the things, I told him, I would not have them, I would have him; he said, he would be d-'d if I should have him; he then ran away, and I pursued him; and with the assistance of Mr. Aubree, I took him; the handkerchiefs were picked up and brought back by a man that is not here.   Thomas Packer saw him bring them.

  THOMAS PACKER sworn. - I saw a person pick the handkerchiefs up in the street, and carry them into the shop.

Turner. I can swear both to the handkerchiefs and the muslin.

Prisoner's defence. Distress drove me to it; it is the first time I ever did any thing of the kind. I belong to the Woolwich.

GUILTY (Aged 43.)

Of stealing the goods, but not privately in the shop .

Confined one month in Newgate , whipped in the Jail , and discharged.

Tried by the London Jury, before Mr. Justice BULLER.