| Reference Number | t17871024-49 |
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| Verdict | Guilty > theft under 1s |
| Sentence | Imprisonment |
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| Actions | Cite this text Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 25 February 2021), October 1787, trial of JOHN LEWIS (t17871024-49). | Print-friendly version | Report an error |
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860. JOHN LEWIS was indicted for stealing, on the 27th of September , one looking glass, in a mahogany frame, value 7 s. the property of John Sharrot .
I am son to the prosecutor; he lives in Ratcliffe-Highway ; he is a cabinet-maker ; I saw the glass thrown down; I ran out at the door, and saw the glass under his arm, about ten yards from the door; the shop-door was open; I missed it; I did not see him take it; I saw the prisoner drop it, and walk off very fast; I cannot swear to the looking-glass or the frame; it was such a one as I lost.
Prisoner. I was talking with my shipmates.
Prosecutor. He was not; I saw he was walking as fast as he could.
Prisoner. I never saw any thing was produced against me till the Monday morning; I am a sea-faring man.
Court. Did you charge him with it. - He said he never took it.
Prisoner. Upon my examination before the magistrate, the magistrate asked him did he see any person take it down; he said he saw a man's back towards him, and when he came out of the door he saw the glass laying down on the high road; he said he could not say it was me; says the magistrate, I suppose you have no doubt; he said no.
Jury. Where did the prosecutor find the glass? - The glass was dropped in the middle of the road; it was broke to pieces.
Court. What is the value of the glass? - 7 s. 6 d.
GUILTY, 10 d .
To be imprisoned six months .
Tried by the first Middlesex Jury, before Mr. Justice HEATH.