The Proceedings of the Old Bailey

 

148.   ANN SUSAN BRAINE (16) , Stealing one cloak, the property of   George Marshall Friend.

MR. HOLLINGS conducted the Prosecution.

  GEORGE MARSHALL FRIEND . I am a linen-draper, of 97, High Street, Deptford—on 2nd January, about 1 o'clock, I missed a waterproof cloak which was just inside my shop—it was safe fire minutes before—a communication was made to me, and I saw the prisoner on the opposite side—she appeared to be bulky, and I sent my young man over to her, and the cloak was pulled from under her arm—she said, "Don't look me up, another girl gave it to me"—I said, "I shall," and she ran away—I ran after her, and gave her in custody—this is the cloak; it is my property, and worth 19s. 9d.

Prisoner. I really did not take it—a girl gave it to me, and asked me to hold it, as I was standing opposite the shop, and I was stupid enough to do so—I waited a quarter of an hour with it opposite this very shop.

Witness. I had seen it safe five minutes before—there was no other girl outside—you were walking along by yourself quite fast—it is false to say you were standing outside a quarter of an hour.

COURT. Q. Is your shop in the main thoroughfare? A. Yes, in the High Street—the cloak was tied up with string and a large pin—if any body took out the pin they could get the cloak—nothing else was hanging up.

  JOHN WHITE (Policeman R 144). On 2nd January I was on duty in High Street, Deptford, about 1. 5, and heard a cry of "Stop thief!"—I followed into Dudley Street, where Mr. Friend had the prisoner by the arm—he charged her with stealing the cloak—on the way to the station she denied taking it, and said that a girl gave it to her—I asked her what girl—she said she had never seen her before.

Prisoner's Defence. I really did not take it.

NOT GUILTY .

Before Mr. Deputy Recorder.