| Reference Number | t17940917-105 |
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| Verdict | Guilty > with recommendation |
| Sentence | Imprisonment > newgate; Corporal > public whipping |
| Related Material |  |
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| Actions | Cite this text Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 11 December 2023), September 1794, trial of WILLIAM PRUDENCE (t17940917-105). | Print-friendly version | Report an error |
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563. WILLIAM PRUDENCE was indicted for feloniously stealing, on the 19th of September , a wooden cask, value 3s. fifty-six pounds weight of salted butter, value 1l. the goods of Thomas Goodenough and Matthew Goodenough .
I am an apprentice to Matthew Goodenough , my father, who is partner with Thomas Goodenough, in Bishopsgate-street ; I was going to shut up my warehouse, Friday last, the 19th of September, about seven o'clock, and I saw the prisoner lifting up a firkin of butter on his shoulder, and I saw him go out with it; at first I thought it was our man, but perceiving it was not I went after him, I asked him what he was going to do with it? he said, that Mr. Goodenough knew him perfectly well, I then took him by the collar, and asked him what he was going to do with it? he then let it fall, and said that he was willing to go with me to Mr. Goodenough, and asked if he did not know him? I then took him over the way to our shop, which is opposite to our warehouse, and brought him to Mr. Goodenough the prosecutor.
Q. What became of the butter? - I gave it in charge of a lad that lives next to us, it is now out at the door, (brought in) This is the cask that he had on his shoulder it is the property of Thomas and Matthew Goodenough .
Prisoner. Ask him if I was not going over to his master with it, because nobody was nigh it, and I thought his master had left it out through mistake.
Court. Where was this tub of butter? - It was in the middle of the warehouse.
About seven o'clock I heard of this, I sent for a constable and charged him, and sent him to the Compter, and had him before my Lord Mayor, and he was committed.
Prisoner. I have no witnesses but you and God; I have no defence to make, than that I was coming past, and when he laid hold of me, I said I was going over to Mr. Goodenough with it.
Court to Prosecutor. Did you know this man before? - When he was first
taken I did not remember him, but since I do remember, I knew his father some years ago.Q. Had you never employed him? - No, never.
GUILTY . (Aged 45.)
Recommended by the prosecutor.
Imprisoned fourteen days in Newgate , and publickly Whipped .
Tried by the London Jury before Mr. COMMON SERJEANT.