| Reference Number | t17320223-34 |
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| Verdict | Guilty > with recommendation |
| Sentence | Death |
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| Actions | Cite this text Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 08 December 2023), February 1732, trial of Jane, alias Catherine French (t17320223-34). | Print-friendly version | Report an error |
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40. Jane, alias Catherine French , of Aldersgate , was indicted for stealing 7 Moidores, 3 Broad Pieces, 2 Guineas, 2 Gold Rings, Val. 20 s. 2 Handkerchiefs, Value 3 s. and 2 Tin Canisters, Value 18d. the Money and Goods of John Smith , in his House , Feb. 7 .
John Smith. I hir'd the Prisoner for a Servant , at 4 l. a Year, but was weary of her before she had been with me a Month. At the Month's End I let her have 20 s. and then I got her out of my House, and glad I was to pass with her so. The same Day a former Servant of mine came to see me, and I being without a Maid, desired her to stay with me a Day or two. I gave her my Keys, and when she open'd my Drawers, she told me every thing was out of Order; and what's become of your Gold Rings, says she, and the Money that you used to keep here? Became of 'em? says I, why there should be 2 Gold Rings, and 15 Pounds. Well, says she, here's neither Rings nor Money. I found what she said was true; I got a Warrant ; the Prisoner was apprehended, and committed the Poultry-Compter. I and Mr. Bennet went to a Tavern near the Compter-Gate, and sent for her, and an Officer brought her to us. She told me she had not got my Money, but that it was in such a Place in my House. I was called out of the Room, and at my return I saw my 2 Gold Rings, 7 Moidores, 2 Broad Pieces, and 2 Guineas lying on the Table. This was all the that I had lost, except 1 Broad Piece. She said she had no more.
William Bennet . When we had got a Warrant, I went with the Prosecutor in quest of the Prisoner; we found her in Southwark, she deny'd that she knew any thing of the Money. After she was committed, she sent to the Prosecutor, and he and I went to a Tavern near the Compter, and she was brought to us: She confess'd that she had taken the Money out of the Drawer, but not out of the Room; for she said it was left in a Tin Box behind the Chest. The Prosecutor was call'd out by a Woman, and while he was absent, she told me, that she had the Money about her, and would deliver it to me if I would persuade her Master to be favourable. Then she took out this Money and these Rings, wrapt in this Rag. The Jury found her guilty. Death . But both the Jury and the Prosecutor recommended her to the Court for a favourable Report to his Majesty .