The Proceedings of the Old Bailey

 

  Samuel Whittle , was indicted for privately stealing a Silk Handkerchief, value 2 s. 6 d. from the Person of   Samuel Serjeant , the 3d of May last. The Prosecutor deposed, That as he was going along FleetStreet he felt the Prisoner's Hand in his Pocket, saw him take out his Handkerchief and thrust it into his Breeches; upon which he pursued

him and he was seized and found it upon him. The Prisoner pleaded that he found the Handkerchief on the Ground, and made great Complaint that he had been barbarously used by the Prosecutor, knock'd down, made all over of a gore Blood , and bled at least near a Pint and half. The Prosecutor own'd that the Prisoner was indeed knock'd down but not by him, but be in pursuing him, his Sword got between his Legs so that the Prisoner got the start of him, and he calling out to stop him, some body did knock him down, and that one J. H. a Constable, seized him the Prosecutor, and used him ill, for pursuing the Prisoner, carried him before a Magistrate under pretence of his causing a Riot, for which he was now prosecuting the said Constable. The Jury found the Prisoner Guilty to the Value of 10 d. Transportation for 7 Years .