| Reference Number | t18440408-1330 |
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| Verdict | Guilty > unknown |
| Sentence | Imprisonment |
| Related Material |  |
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| Actions | Cite this text Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 11 December 2023), April 1844, trial of GEORGE WHITE (t18440408-1330). | Print-friendly version | Report an error |
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1327. GEORGE WHITE was indicted for stealing 1 handkerchief, value 1s.; the goods of William Holt, from his person.
WILLIAM HOLT . I live in Regent-square—I was at Greenwich fair on the 9th of April, and I lost my pocket handkerchief—this now produced is it.
GEORGE KEMP (police-constable N 82.) I saw the prisoner take the handkerchief from the prosecutor's pocket—I had been watching him for twenty minutes, attempting to pick people's pockets—I secured him concealing it under his coat, and found another silk handkerchief on him.
Cross-examined by MR. HORRY. Q. How long have you been in the police? A. Very nearly fifteen years—I know it is an offence to pick a
pocket—I have taken many scores for it—it did suit me to take the prisoner for the attempt—if I take a person for an attempt I take him before a Magistrate and he is not brought here—I get no expenses before a Magistrate—I do not get much here—I shall get nothing for this—that was not my reason for not taking him, I considered it my duty to wait till it was done—I am allowed a discretion—that is my instructions from Mr. Molineux, my superior—we are told not to bring any attempts if we can help it, they do not like it—the Magistrates commit for an attempt if the party is a known thief—that was the reason I did not take the prisoner—I saw him attempt a dozen pockets.
(The prisoner received a good character.)
GUILTY . Confined Three Months.
Before Mr. Recorder.