| Reference Number | t17670218-16 |
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| Verdict | Not Guilty |
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| Actions | Cite this text Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 09 June 2023), February 1767, trial of William Martin (t17670218-16). | Print-friendly version | Report an error |
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146. (M) William Martin was indicted for stealing a pair of leather breeches, value 7 s. the property of Edmund Alexander , Jan. 24 . +
Edmund Alexander . I live in Goswell-street . On the 24th of January I was in my kitchen adjoining my shop; I heard the window break very loud; I ran out, but could see no body; I was informed, the person that had robbed me was at the Justice's. I went there, and saw my breeches on the prisoner; he had his irons on, and the Justice did not order them to be taken off; he has them on him now; I know them by a mark on the inside the flap to be my property.
William Dickerson . I shall be 17 years of age next August; the prisoner is a shoemaker by trade; there were William Skeele, he, and I, on the 24th of January we went to the prosecutor's house with intent to take these breeches; Skeele pushed out the glass, and took the breeches, and gave them to Martin.
Q. Where was you at that time?
Dickerson. I was at the corner waiting for them; I saw them do it; we went to a pawnbroker's, not above six or seven doors from the prosecutor's house in Goswell-street, to pawn them, but they would not take them in, then as Martin had a bad pair of breeches, we agreed to let him wear them, and he was to give us 5 d a piece.
Q. How long had you been acquainted with the prisoner?
Dickerson. I had been acquainted with him about nine or ten days.
Prisoner's defence.
I have known Dickerson about four years; I bought the breeches of him, and gave him 2 s. 9 d. for them; I used to go out with Dickerson on a Sunday.
For the prisoner.
Martha Cox . I have known the prisoner seven years.
Q. Do you know Dickerson?
M. Cox. I know nothing of him; the prisoner always bore a very good character till within this little while; I live just by his father and mother in Hartshorn court, Golden lane.
Q. How old is the prisoner?
M. Cox. He is about 18 years of age.
Walter Martin . I am his father; he always behaved well; he is a child's pump-maker.
Q. Do you know Dickerson?
Martin. I never saw him but once in my life, that was the Monday before he was taken up, he came into my house.
Elizabeth Allohy . I have known the prisoner two years; I never knew to the contrary but that he was very honest and sober.
Acquitted .