The Proceedings of the Old Bailey

 

439.   JOHN PIPER was indicted for stealing, on the 4th of July , thirteen ounces weight of sewing silk, value 10s. the goods of   Richard Packer .

  RICHARD PACKER sworn.

I am a taylor ; the prisoner was my apprentice . on the 4th of July, I searched his box (it was in his room where he slept) I called him up stairs with the other servant; I opened it in his prefence; first I asked him whether it was his box? and he said it was. Then I opened it, it was locked; I saw this sewing silk, and I asked him whose it was? he said it was mine; I asked him who took it, or who put it there? he said he took it and he put it there; I asked what he meant to do with it? he told me he did not mean to steal it; I asked him for what purpose he put it there?

he gave me no answer. On Monday morning I took him before a magistrate, I asked him how he came to take it? he said, it was loose on the counter.

Q. Had you threatened him or made him any promise at the time he said it was your's? - It passed exactly as I have stated.

Q. What is the value of it? - Ten shillings. I have missed property before, but I will not accuse him of it.

Mr. Alby. This boy is your apprentice, and has served six years of his time with you? - Yes.

Q. In point of fact he lived in your house a fortnight after this discovery, before you took him up? - He staid in my house till last Monday.

The prisoner called six witnesses who gave him a good character.

Prosecutor. I knew him when he was a lad, I never mistrusted him, I trusted him in my warehouse.

Not GUILTY .

Tried by the London Jury before Mr. RECORDER.