| Reference Number | t18210718-28 |
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| Verdict | Guilty; Guilty |
| Sentence | Death; Death |
| Related Material |  |
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| Actions | Cite this text Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 27 June 2022), July 1821, trial of JOHN BEASLEY WILLIAM HAMMOND (t18210718-28). | Print-friendly version | Report an error |
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936. JOHN BEASLEY and WILLIAM HAMMOND were indicted for breaking and entering the dwelling-house of John Pidgeon , about three o'clock in the afternoon of the 4th of July , at Edmonton , (no person being therein) and stealing one coat, value 10 s.; two gowns, value 10 s.; three spoons, value 5 s.; one ring, value, 2 s., and 17 s, in money, his property .
JAMES PIDGEON . I live in Bury-street, Edmonton . On the 4th of July, I left my house at six o'clock in the morning, and left my wife and the boy at home. I returned at ten o'clock at night.
SARAH PIDGEON . I am the wife of the last witness. I went out at a quarter before eight o'clock, and left the boy at home. I returned at half-past two o'clock, and found nobody at home. On opening the door, there was a large piece of iron propped against it. I forced it open and found the kitchen window unbuttoned, it was fastened when I went out. I missed two gowns from my box in the bed room, and a coat and waistcoat, from a chest that was not locked, and three silver tea spoons, (two from my box and one off the shelf) and 17 s. in money from my box.
WILLIAM PIDGEON . I am the son of the prosecutor. On the 4th of July, my mother went out and left me at home. I went out about ten minutes before one o'clock, I locked the door and took the key to my mother. I left the house in the same state, as when she left - nobody came while I was there.
SARAH PIDGEON re-examined. My son brought me the key, I went back and found the house in the state I mentioned. I saw some of my goods a week after before the Magistrate.
JOHN GARRARD . I live with Mr. Stevenson a pawnbroker, in Whitechapel. Beasley pawned two gowns, on the 4th of July, I believe him to be the man but cannot positively swear to him.
HENRY HANCOCK . I live with Robert Peart , a pawnbroker, in Whitechapel, the prisoner Beasley pawned a coat and waistcoat, on the 4th of July, in his own name.
(Property produced and sworn to.)
JOSEPH GIBSON . I am an officer. I attended before the Magistrate, when the prisoners were examined; Beasley made a voluntary confession, it was read over to him, I witnessed his signature. - (Read).
"The prisoner, John Beasley , being asked what he has to say to the above charge, says - I and my companion came out of London, on Wednesday, the 4th of July, to look for work. We were near the house of James Pidgeon , Bury-street, Edmonton, my companion asked Pidgeon's boy for some bread - he said he had none; he asked him to sell him some gooseberries, which he did not do. I went up the lane, and left my companion behind; he met me again about three-quarters of an hour after, when he brought a bundle - he said he had found it. We went together to Whitechapel, when he opened it - it contained a black coat and two gowns; Hammond took them to Peart's, the pawnbroker's, I do not know what was lent on them, as Hammond only divided a shilling to me. Hammond lives in Gower's-walk, Whitechapel. I have known him some time."
12th July.
The mark X of JOSEPH BEASLEY .
"Beasley since confesses that he opened the window, and got into the house, and took thereout a coat, two gowns, and three spoons, and afterwards pawned the coat and a waistcoat at Peart's. He says he gave the spoons to his mother, Susan Beasley ."
14th July.
JAMES GIBSON re-examined. I took Hammond next day, and asked him if he knew Beasley - he said Yes. I said I was going to take him to Edmonton. He said they opened the window with a knife; that Beasley got in at the window, and he sat in the ditch, and watched; that Beasley brought a bundle to him, and told him he had got a swag; they went on to London, and got into a cart, and gave a man a pot of beer to let them ride. I had told him what I took him for, and said nothing to induce him to confess.
The prisoners made no defence.
BEASLEY. - GUILTY . - DEATH . Aged 17.
HAMMOND. - GUILTY . - DEATH . Aged 14.
First Middlesex Jury, before Mr. Justice Burrough.