The Proceedings of the Old Bailey

 

805.   ALFRED REID (25) , Embezzling 5s. 7 1/2 d. of   Charles Wheeler, his master.

MR. METCALFE Prosecuted.

  ALFRED BLAKE CANNOL . I am clerk to Osborne and Co., of 19, Knightrider Street—they deal with the prosecutor for bread, and 5s. 7 1/2 d. was owning—the prisoner came on August 12th, produced the book, and I paid him 5s. 7 1/2 d.—he took the bill away, and I have not seen it since.

Cross-examined by the prisoner. It was about two weeks ago—it was not usual to let the bill go to £1—I used to pay you when I saw you—you always took the receipt away with you, it was customary—you made the

book up every week, and if I was in I paid it, if not I paid for two weeks—sometimes you left the book for two or three days—you have got the receipt—I saw you sign it.

  CHARLES WHEELER I live at 1, Burgon Street, Carter Lane the prisoner was in my employment—he was paid £1 a week—he had to deliver bread, and receive payments from customers and deliver the book to me on the same day—Osborne and Hardy had weekly account my wife spoke to them—I have not seen the book since August 12th—he never gave me 5s. 7 1/2 d. from them—he remained in my employ till the 22nd, and then left with wages owing to him—when I asked him for the book he said he could not find it—I had no character with him.

Cross-examined. You only had three accounts to collect; some days you did not bring in a shilling—I asked you several times to bring the book and on each occasion you said they could not find it—I lent you five shillings on August 12th out of your wages.

By the COURT. I did not know he was going to leave; he left some of his clothes in my shop—I gave information to the police, but did not see him a gain till October 3rd.

  ARTHUR PENTON (City Detective Sergeant). On October 3rd I was in Clerkenwell and saw the prisoner—I told him I had a warrant for his wrest for embezzling 5s. 7 1/2 d, the money of his employer—he said "I know nothing about it"—he was taken to Bridewell Station and said, "I don't know what you mean by embezzling"; I said, "It means, that you have been paid 5s. 7 1/2 d. and have not accounted for it"—he said, "Well, if they will produce my receipt I will give in to it;" and he repeated that at the Mansion House.

Cross-examined. When I arrested you, you were applying for a situation as a baker in Clerkenwell.

GUILTY .