| Reference Number | t18201206-32 |
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| Verdict | Guilty |
| Sentence | Death |
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| Actions | Cite this text Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 08 December 2023), December 1820, trial of MATTHEW COOPER (t18201206-32). | Print-friendly version | Report an error |
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32. MATTHEW COOPER was indicted for feloniously assaulting Joseph Wareham , in a certain passage near the King's highway, at St. Clement Danes , on the 10th of November , putting him in fear, and taking from his person and against his will, one watch-chain, value 1 s; two seals, value 1 l., and one watch-key, value 1 d., his property .
JOSEPH WAREHAM . I am a journeyman painter and glazier , and live in Yates-place, Earl-street. On Friday evening, the 10th of November, I was in Yates-court, Carey-street , leading to Clare-market, it was about half-past five o'clock. Upon getting to the bottom of the court under a dark archway, the prisoner came towards me, and ran violently against my chest with his head and shoulders, at the same time he gave a violent tug at my watch - nobody
else was near. I felt and found the seals were gone, but the watch remained - he ran away; I pursued calling Stop thief! and caught him before he got five steps from me. Somebody then seized me behind by the shoulders, and he got away. Upon getting from the man who held me, I again caught him about eight yards off, and a man rushed up and rescued him. I received a violent blow on my neck - he struck me again, and got off down Clement's-lane. I got from the other and pursued him again, calling Stop thief! Mr. Wall put out his hands, and he surrendered without my losing sight of him. I collared him, several people came up, and the other man then came up and said I had no business to take the law into my own hands; I said he was one of them - he left immediately. I have not recovered my seals - Bowden was with me,JOSEPH BOWDEN . I am fourteen years old. I was with Wareham; a man ran against him - he was walking on before, then turned round and ran against him.
Q. Then he passed him first - A. Yes, Wareham called out Stop thief! the prisoner ran away, and Wareham seized him; two others rescued him, they were bigger than the prisoner. Wareham again took him, and they rescued him again. He was taken again down Clement's-lane. I am sure he is the man - I never lost sight of him.
Prisoner's Defence. I was running, and the gentleman took hold of me - I know nothing more.
GUILTY . - DEATH . Aged 15.
First Middlesex Jury, before Mr. Justice Bailey.