| Reference Number | t17850914-21 |
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| Verdict | Guilty > theft under 1s |
| Sentence | Corporal > whipping |
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| Actions | Cite this text Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 09 December 2023), September 1785, trial of WILLIAM HANDS (t17850914-21). | Print-friendly version | Report an error |
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745. WILLIAM HANDS was indicted for feloniously stealing on the 18th day of August , one linen handkerchief, value 2 s. the property of Edward Trelawney , Esq ; privately from his person .
EDWARD TRELAWNEY , Esq; sworn.
On Thursday afternoon, the 18th of August last, as I was passing down the back lane leading towards Stepney-fields , I put my hand into my pocket to feel for my handkerchief, I missed it, I immediately turned round to take notice if any person was near me, I did not observe any but a gentleman on the opposite side of the way, and I thought by his holding his fingers up to his nose, he knew something of it, I was going to cross the way to him, and I observed the prisoner at the bar run out of an alley, I pursued him through several alleys, through two houses, and several turnings, during the pursuit he dropped my handkerchief in the kennel, I picked it up and followed him till he took shelter in a house.
What do you suppose it to be worth at the time it was taken? - I do not know, it cost me three shillings, I am not acquainted with the value of old handkerchiefs, I suppose it is not material.
But it is material? - Then if it is material, I wish to value it as low as possible; I only come here to do justice to my country; I wish to exercise the feelings of humanity at the same time.
Prisoner. The gentleman cannot swear I picked his pocket, I was playing with some other boys.
Prosecutor. He said before the Justice he lived at Brentford, he was playing at hoop; he appeared in a very indifferent situation, I gave him six-pence at the time, and I gave him six-pence after he was committed.
Court. Gentlemen of the Jury, If the indictment had been proved as laid, it would have been a capital offence, for if you find him guilty of privately stealing from the person to the amount of more than a shilling, it would exclude the benefit of clergy.
GUILTY, 10 d.
Whipped .
Tried by the second Middlesex Jury before Mr. Justice ASHURST.