The Proceedings of the Old Bailey

 

95.   THOMAS DAVIS was indicted for stealing, on the 5th of December , one thickset waistcoat, value 10 s. one child's thickset coat, value 3 s. the property of   John Williams , privily in his shop

  FRANCES WILLIAMS sworn.

I am wife of   John Williams , who keeps a clothes shop , in  Fore-street on Saturday the 5th of December, I was behind the counter serving a young woman with a blue apron; and the prisoner and another (who was taller) came into the shop: the tall one asked for some stockings, he said, he was very particular in colour, they must be pepper and salt, with a small rib; I reached one pair to the tall one; the prisoner was behind; the prisoner said, Sir, if you like them, have them; the woman gave me half a guinea to pay for her apron; the tall one asked the price of the stockings: I said, three shillings; and I heard something move behind the tall prisoner and the young woman, as I was weighing the money; that was the prisoner; he was behind the tall one till that time; I never saw his face; I looked up from weighing the money, and the prisoner went out; the tall one threw down the stockings, and ran out; and I missed the property; the prisoner was brought back in ten minutes; I am sure the prisoner is the same man; the prisoner has been at our shop before.

  SARAH LLOYD sworn.

I was in the shop: I felt something at my back, and I instantly turned round and saw the prisoner with something under his left arm.

Did not you see them moving? - No, I did not; he was going off the threshold at the door, about a yard and a half from the shelf; I saw the colour of the things, but whether they were both there, I do not know; I do not know what became of the other man; I am sure this is the man that was brought back, which was in ten minutes.

  PETER CUTTER sworn.

I took the prisoner and brought him to the prosecutor's house; nothing was on him; there were some things brought in by somebody, but who I cannot tell.

  JOHN CLARK sworn.

I am one of the marshalmen; I live near the prosecutor; I heard the cry of stop thief; I ran out; the prisoner was just stopped; I brought him to the house; and soon after I was there, this property was brought back, all over dirt.

Prisoner. My master is here: I was coming from my father's house; there was a cry of stop thief; and they stopped me, and took me.

The prisoner called two witnesses, who gave him a good character.

NOT GUILTY .

The prisoner's father appeared and promised to take care of him.

Court to the Father. You are very much obliged to the Jury.

The prisoner's Father to the Jury. Gentlemen, I am your most obedient humble servant.

Tried by the London Jury before Mr. RECORDER.