The Proceedings of the Old Bailey

 

511.   THOMAS BARRET was indicted for stealing on the 20th of July last, one silver watch, value 3 l. one steel chain, value 3 s. one stone seal value 6 d. one metal watch key, value 1 d. one hook, value 1 d. two shirts, value 8 s. one shift, value 1 s. the goods of   Ann Milton , spinster , in the house of   Jacob Whitebread , Esq.

  ANN MILTON sworn.

I was left in care of Mr. Whitebread's house; on the 20th of July, the prisoner and two more came to look at the house, which was to be let. The prisoner went down into the yard, and I went with the other to shew him the house; while I was going up stairs, he came up, and went into the parlour, and took the things mentioned in the indictment: I saw the watch that instant, I missed it directly. I went out and cried stop thief, and two men took them.

  ROBERT CROUCH sworn.

I took the prisoner; I am a chairman, heard the cry of stop thief, and saw two persons running, the hindermost man called out stop thief, the prisoner run into Stafford Mews, and made an attempt to jump upon a scaffold; we searched him and found a watch.

- King, beadle of Mary-bone produces the watch, which he found on the prisoner, and has been ever since in his custody, and which was deposed to by the prosecutrix, her name being engraved upon it.

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

A young fellow I went with said he was going to take a house for his master, there was a cry of stop thief, he laid this watch down, and said, take my watch; I did not know how he came by it.

GUILTY . ( Death .)

Tried by the second Middlesex Jury before Mr. Justice ASHHURST.