| Reference Number | t18920208-302 |
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| Verdict | Guilty > pleaded guilty; Not Guilty > unknown |
| Sentence | Imprisonment > hard labour |
| Related Material |  |
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| Actions | Cite this text Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 27 March 2023), February 1892, trial of THOMAS DAVIS (18) ROBERT FOSTER (19) (t18920208-302). | Print-friendly version | Report an error |
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302. THOMAS DAVIS (18) and ROBERT FOSTER (19) , Burglariously breaking and entering the dwelling-house of William Maxwell, and stealing a coat, two pairs of boots, and other articles, to which
DAVIS PLEADED GUILTY .
MR. WALLACE Prosecuted.
THOMAS DYBALL (Police Sergeant M). On the morning of 7th January, about eleven, I was with Gentle in Tabard Street, Borough, and saw the prisoners together, and from information I had received I arrested Foster—I said, "I am going to take you into custody for burglarious breaking into No. 1, Bland Street"—he made no reply—he was taken to the station—whilst the prosecutrix was stating the charge, as he was in the dock, he lifted up his left foot and said, pointing to the prosecutrix, "These are the lady's boots, I may as well say so as not"—these (produced) are the boots, he was wearing them at the time—the prosecutor identified them.
WILLIAM GENTLE (Detective M). On the morning of 7th January, shortly after midnight, I was in Great Dover Street, and saw Foster with Davis and another—I followed them for about an hour, but subsequently lost them—in the morning, at nine o'clock, when I came to the station I heard of this burglary—I went with Dyball into Tabard Street, and there saw the prisoners—I arrested Davis; Dyball arrested Foster—at the station he was wearing these boots, which the prosecutor identified—Dyball asked him where he got them; he said he bought them—while in the dock he put his foot on the top of the dock—I could not hear what he said.
CATHERINE MAXWELL . I am the wife of William Maxwell, and live at 1, South Bland Street, Newington—on the night of 8th January I retired to rest about eleven—the house was perfectly secure; no window was left open—I fancy I heard a noise in the night about four or five—about seven I saw a flash of light through the bedroom window—I came down and found the back parlour window open, and missed a great coat, two pairs of boots, a table-cloth, a small knife, a comb and a pair of spectacles—on the mantelpiece there were three distinct marks where a candle had been fixed—I cannot swear to these boots; my husband does—at the station I saw Foster in the dock put up his foot, and he said he had the boots.
WILLIAM MAXWELL . I am a lighterman—these boots are mine—I missed them on the 7th January from my sitting-room—I speak positively to them.
WILLIAM SWORDS (Inspector M). I examined the prosecutor's house—I found marks on the catch of the back parlour window; it had been pushed back, as if by a knife.
The prisoner's statement before the Magistrate." I know nothing about it whatever."
Prisoner. I wish to call Davis.
THOMAS DAVIS . I have pleaded guilty to this charge—I am a printer, and live at St. Olave's Chambers, Tabard Street—on 7th January, between nine and half past, Foster bought these boots of me at a lodging-house—he was a stranger to me—he was lying on a form asleep—I woke him up, and asked him whether he wanted to buy a pair of boots; he tried them on, and they fitted him, and he gave me sixpence for them.
FOSTER— NOT GUILTY .
DAVIS— Twelve Months' Hard Labour.