The Proceedings of the Old Bailey

 

897.   JOHN HOWARD (23) , Stealing 1 purse, 1 brooch, and 7l. 12s. 4d., the property of   Martha Orange, from her person.

MR. COOPER conducted the Prosecution.

  MARTHA ORANGE . I am single, and live at Homer-street, Marylebone—on Saturday afternoon, 24th September, I was in Ludgate-street, about 3 o'clock, walking alone—I was about to cross the road—I found the prisoner at my side—he touched my shoulder—I walked on and I missed my purse—I turned round and saw the prisoner close beside me—he immediately ran across the road and I followed him—the policeman followed him too—my purse was shown to me by the policeman; I knew it again—it contained 7l. 12s. 4d., and a small brooch, and an invoice—I know I had my purse safe when the prisoner touched me on the shoulder—I was holding my

pocket in my hand—he touched my shoulder—I let go my pocket and immediately missed the weight of my purse.

Cross-examined by MR. RIBTON. Q. Were you going towards Fleet-street? A. I was going from St. Paul's-churchyard on the right hand side towards the Strand—my pocket was on the right side of my dress inside—the prisoner was between me and the shops—I had my pocket in my hand,—not the purse—I had my purse out in Cheapside to pay a bill—there were others near me as well as the prisoner—he was alone—he was immediately beside me—I did not observe any one else walk alongside of me—I am sure the prisoner is the man—I saw him run away.

  PHILIP PEACOCK . I live with my father in London House-yard—on that Saturday afternoon I was standing in front of the shop—I saw the prisoner come running down London House-yard—he passed our shop, and after he passed I saw him drop something out of his hand; I ran and picked it up, and found it to be a purse—I took it to the station—this is it.

Cross-examined. Q. Did you see the prisoner taken into custody? A. No; the policeman followed him—I don't know whether he saw him throw away the purse—when the policeman brought the prisoner back, he asked me if he was the man; I said yes—I never saw him before.

  JOHN COLLINS (City policeman, 327). On that afternoon about 3 o'clock I saw Miss Orange running up Ludgate-street—I saw the prisoner running—I ran across the road after him down London House-yard, down Pater-noster-row, and into Ave Maria-lane—I saw him pass Peacock's shop—he was afterwards stopped, and I took him into custody—I brought him back and obtained the purse—I took the prisoner to the station—he attempted to cry, and asked me if I would let him go, and he would never do so any more.

GUILTY .

The prisoner was further charged with having been before convicted.

  WILLIAM HOLLOWAY . I produce a certificate (Read: "Clerkenwell, 21st August, 1858; James Butler was convicted of larceny after a previous conviction; Confined Twelve Months")—I was present at the trial—the prisoner is the man.

GUILTY.— Four Years' Penal Servitude.