| Reference Number | t18450407-870 |
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| Verdict | Guilty > unknown; Guilty > unknown |
| Sentence | Imprisonment |
| Related Material |  |
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| Actions | Cite this text Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 10 December 2023), April 1845, trial of JAMES WILLIAMS GEORGE DAVIES (t18450407-870). | Print-friendly version | Report an error |
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870. JAMES WILLIAMS and GEORGE DAVIES were indicted for stealing 1 handkerchief, value 2s. 6d., the goods of William Jones, from his person.
JOSHUA WELCH . I am clerk to the firm of Champion and Co. On the 8th of March I was in St. Paul's-churchyard—the prisoners passed me, one on one side of me, and the other on the other—as Williams passed, he said, "George," and pointed to Davies—I saw Davies go and lift up the prosecutor's pocket, and take this handkerchief out—I did not then know who the prosecutor was—I collared the prisoners, and called out, "That gentleman has got his pocket picked"—the prosecutor then turned, and I knew him—I said to him, "Mr. Jones, I want you"—the handkerchief was put out of sight, but I saw it afterwards close by the prisoners' feet—I left the prisoners in the care of Mr. Jones.
Cross-examined by MR. PAYNE. Q. There were a good many people about, I suppose? A. There were—it was about two o'clock—I had never seen Davies before—my attention was excited, as I never saw a pocket picked before—I never was so certain of anything in my life as I am about the person who took the handkerchief—I was about two yards from Davies, and took hold of him directly—the handkerchief was out of sight momentarily—I then saw it on the ground—I am certain the person who took it did not get away, and I took a wrong person—about two seconds elapsed between his taking the handkerchief and my seizing him.
WILLIAM JONES . I am a solicitor, and live in Crosby-square—this is my handkerchief—I had used it immediately before, and when I heard Mr. Welch call, I turned round and seized Davies by the collar—I saw the handkerchief on the ground, I desired a boy to pick it up and give it me—here is my mark on it.
JOHN GILES . I was in St. Paul's Churcn-yard—I saw Williams with these gentlemen—I went and took hold of him—I did not see the handkerchief till I gave Williams to the policeman's care—I got him about five or six yards—he took a life-preserver from his trowsers—some gentlemen called to me to take care, and I took it from him.
Williams. Q. Did I strike you with it? A. No, I looked down, and you had just got it from your trowsers.
HENRY ROWE (City police-constable, No. 856.) I took one of the prisoners, and produce this handkerchief.
WILLIAM MASH (City police-constable, No. 877.) I took Daries—I produce the life-preserver which Giles took from Williams.
(Davies received a good character.)
WILLIAMS— GUILTY . Aged 19.
DAVIES— GUILTY . Aged 18.
Confined Six Months.