The Proceedings of the Old Bailey

 

103.   WILLIAM COUSENS was indicted for feloniously stealing, on the 27th of December , a silver watch, value 20s. a steel chain, value 1d. a metal key, value 1d. and a metal seal, value 1d. the property of   John Edmonds .

  JOHN EDMONDS sworn. - I am servant to Mr. Tate, No. 18,  Salisbury-street, in the Strand , I

live in his house: On Saturday the 27th of December last, I went to Clare-market, and bought some beef, the butcher sent it home; previous to that, my watch was over the fire-place, I saw it there at half-past eleven; after I came home from market, I missed it, about twelve, or half-past twelve; I found the prisoner about two o'clock in the market; I challenged him with it, he said first, it was at his lodgings, then he said he would give no trouble, and immediately produced it from his breeches pocket; the constable has the watch.

Cross-examined by Mr. Knapp. Q. He never denied his having possession of it? - A. No.

Q. Did you make him no promise of favour? - A. No, I did not.

  WILLIAM POTTER sworn. - I am servant to Mr. Tate; on the 27th of December, I let the prisoner in with some meat, I shewed him into the kitchen, I believe Mrs. Edmonds was in the kitchen, I am not sure, I did not go into the kitchen, I only shewed him the way.(Edward Treadway, the officer, produced the watch, which was deposed to by the prosecutor.)

Prisoner's defence. Mr. Edmonds said, if I returned the watch, he would let me go.

Edmonds. I said no such thing till afterwards; I was inclined to let him go, but he was then in the hands of the officer, and I could not; I do not think he is a reputed thief, for he had been shewing it about for two hours in the market.

The prisoner called one witness, who gave him a good character. GUILTY , aged 22.

Confined six months in the House of Correction .

First Middlesex Jury, before Mr. Baron Thompson.