The Proceedings of the Old Bailey

 

  TAYLOR, John (34, painter),   RUSSELL, William (38, tailor),   TAYLOR, George (32, no occupation),   GURRON, Charles (44, fitter), and   KNIGHT, Charles (26, porter) ; all breaking and entering the shop of Mappin and Webb, Limited, and stealing therein Avers large quantities of jewellery, value £43,533 17s. 8d., their foods; John Taylor, William Russell, and George Taylor, feloniously wounding and causing grievous bodily harm to   William Henry Smith, with intent to disable him. John Taylor, Russell, and George Taylor pleaded guilty to the charge of breaking and entering.

Mr. F. E. Smith, K. C., M. P., and Mr. Huntly Jenkins prosecuted; Mr. Gilbert Beyfus appeared for John Taylor, Mr. Purcell for Russell, Mr. Edmundson for George Taylor, Mr. H. J. Turreli ad Mr. Martin O'Connor respectively defended Gurron and Knight.

  WILLIAM HENRY SMITH . I am plate-cleaner in the employment of Mappin and Webb, Limited. On Sunday, August 22, I went to their premises at a quarter past eight in the morning and was to do watchman's duty up till seven o'clock in the evening, when the night watchman would come on. The keys produced are those I received from the night watchman. I locked the padlock on the outer gate at the Poultry entrance and also the inner door. I then went all over the premises as far as I could and found everything quite correct. The windows are fitted with revolving shutters, but when the inner door is open you can see through the iron gap into the shop. At about a quarter past one I left the premises and went to the Cannon Hotel, which is just opposite Cannon Street Station, to have a drink, though I had brought my dinner beer from home. I locked the inner door as I came out and put the padlock on the

gate outside securely fastened. I put the keys in my right-hand trousers pocket. I was away I should think about 10 minutes-no longer. When I returned the padlock was secure so far as I could see. I undid the inner door and went inside, and again fastened both the outer gate and the inner door. I then went into toe basement to cook my dinner at the gas stove. That took me about quarter of an hour or 20 minutes. Having cooked my dinner I brought it upstairs into the small office under the staircase, which is called the cashier's office, where I proceeded to eat it. While doing so I heard a slight noise at the door of the office. I looked at the door and saw one man with a mask on. (The mask exhibited proved to be extemporized from a piece of linen with holes for the eyes.) He was standing at the office door and beside him was another man not masked. I have never been able to recognise either of the men. I got off the stool I had been sitting on and west towards the door. I was then struck several times with some blast instrument; I could not tell what it was. I was knocked almost insensible, and I found afterwards that one of my finger nails had been torn off. I shouted "Murder" and "Police!" I was then bound with rope round my arms and legs. I suggest there was I third man there. I did not see him, but could hear him moving about. I was then gagged and a coat or cloth was put over my head. My ankles were bound as well. I became unconscious, and was dragged or moved some distance from the cashier's office to the place where I was lying in the shop when I came round. I found then I was lying in a pool of blood. The gag had been removed from my mouth but the cloth remained on my head. My hands were tied across my chest. I listened for a few minutes after I came to, Is hear if there was anybody about before I attempted to untie myself. I first tried to do so by getting my two hands up to my teeth, but lying on my back I could not get power enough, so I rolled over on to my face and managed to untie the cord with my teeth. Then I undid the ankle cords. The keys which had been in my right-hand trousers pocket were gone. Then I got to the door, which was opened by the policeman outside. He heard me knocking inside and opened the door. I knocked with the round handled; hook which we use to bring the lift up. I was shown two jemmies sad two pieces of piping by the police officers. I had not seen these before.

Cross-examined by Mr. Turrell. There are not shutters all the way round the building. Half of it is under building repair sad there is a hoarding half way round the shop. Where the hoarding is there is a wooden partition from the ceiling to the shop floor. There is no glass because the frontage has all been taken out of the shop. The articles stolen were taken from the shop.

By Mr. O'Connor. The police could see through the gate into one part of the shop. There is a light burning inside. A person to the right of the shop could not be seen at all. A person inside where the shutters are could see a person on the pavement.

Detective-inspector ROBERT LYON, City. On Sunday, August 22, it 1.20 p.m., I was with Detective Shuard in Poultry, and saw a man, who afterwards gave the name of Gurron, on the pavement just about opposite Old Jewry. He bad this paper ("News of the World") in his hand as if reading it, but was looking over the top of it in the direction of the Bank. I was close to him as I passed along. On that occasion I kept him under observation about a quarter of an hour. I then left alter giving certain instructions to Shuard. I returned about 3.45 when I again saw Shuard and tastier officer, Detective Dyer, who were by the Bank in Prince's Street. They made a statement to me and I patrolled the neighbourhood with them. I saw prisoner Knight wheeling a bicycle out of Backlersbury directly after I had returned. He stopped by Bucklersbury in Cheapside by Bird in Hand Court. I was standing opposite Bucklerabury and saw him stoop down and commence to handle the hind wheel tyre, at the same time looking across the street to where we were standing. From what I saw I suggested to the officers that we should move away. I walked along to King Street and was joined there by the two officers. I kept Knight under observation all the time, but he was out of eight a few minutes as I walked back. He was arrested about half an hour after I first we him. I did not see him make any repairs to his bicycle. About a quarter past four I was nearly opposite Mappin and Webb's by Grocer's Hall Court still watching Knight, and saw prisoners John Taylor, Russell, and George Taylor come out of Mappin and Webb's doorway. George Taylor walked away from the door and John Taylor and Russell stopped by the doorway and were about to fasten is the door. All three were arrested, and I saw Dyer arrest Knight, Gurron had been previously arrested. At the Cloak Lane Station jewellery valued at £10,538 11s. 1d. was found on John Taylor. A quantity of jewellery valued at £1,861 was found in a "Dorothy" tag. On him were also found two pairs of gloves, a white handkerchief stained with blood, a bunch of keys and a chisel. On Gorge Taylor there was found jewellery valued at £29,084 10s. 6d., and a jemmy wrapped in paper. No property connected with the charge was found on Gurron or Knight. I subsequently examined Mappin and Webs premises and found the ground floor in great disorder. There was a second "Dorothy" bag containing jewellery of the value of £1,683 2s., also two jemmies and two broken padlocks. Three bars (one produced) had been forced off the show cases which were almost empty. In the south-east corner of the room there was a quantity of congealed blood, a uniform coat, a loft 'saturated with blood, pieces of rope saturated with blood, and piece of brown paper with blood upon it. I was not able at the time to ascertain how the premises had been entered, but on further searching prisoners I found a duplicate set of keys on George Taylor, facsimile of the original keys belonging to the premises. Two of them open the door of the shop and the other opens the gate. The actual keys taken from the pocket of the watchman were found upon Russell, who was about to lock the door with the original keys when

arrested. But for the vigilance of the police Smith would undoubtedly have been looked in.

Cross-examined by Mr. Turrell. I suggest that when the two Taylors and Russell were inside they locked themselves in, and when they came out they were going to lock the place up again. When I first saw Gurron he was reading a newspaper looking towards the Bank of England in an opposite direction to Mappin and Webb's. I cannot say ft papers are sold at the corner of Prince's Street on Sunday. There are a great many people moving about this part at this time of the day. Most people buy a paper to look at and even do so in the street. The omnibuses stop opposite Mappin and Webb's doorway. I do not know that it is a common thing for appointments to be made for that neighbourhood. There were only three officers keeping observation.

By Mr. O'Connor. I did not notice that Knight had a spanner in his hand. I was not really close enough to see what he was doing. At the time he was arrested he was just about to move away. The distance from where he was standing outside Bird in Hand Court is 112 yards. There was a fair number of people pawing along the streets. From where Knight was standing he could see Mappin and Webb's premises. I made the experiment myself on the Tuesday after the arrest. I could recognise anybody leaving Mappin and Webb's from that distance. I examined the bicycle to see if there was anything the matter with it, but I am not as expert. I can ride a bicycle. I caused inquiries to be made of the owner of the cycle. Knight gave his correct name and address. I am aware that Knight denies all knowledge of the other prisoners I have not been able to ascertain anything to the contrary. Knight gave the police the names of the persons by whom he is employed.

To Mr. Huntly Jenkins. There was a carrier on the bicycle to which parcels might be attached. (The bicycle was brought into court and shown to the jury.)

To Mr. O'Connor. The bicycle is suitable for carrying a bag. I should expect to see a carrier on a tradesman's cycle.

Police-constable WILLIAM POOLE proved a plan to scale of the locality.

Mr. O'Connor objected that the plan was not admissible, there being four representations of bicycles on the face of it.

The Recorder: You mean it is a marked plan.

Mr. O'Connor: Yes.

The Recorder: You have had it before the jury. You were asked if you had say objection to it. I supposed you had seen it.

Mr. Huntly Jenkins: My friend Mr. Smith opened the case and placed the plan in front of my friend. I asked if he had any objection and he said "No."

Mr. O'Connor: We agree on everything except this—I had not looked at the plan I assumed it was a plan drawn by a competent surveyor. I said to my friend. "If you call the surveyor to prove this I have no objection." I submit it is an inadmissible plan and ought not to be put in.

The Recorder: It seems to me an extraordinary objection to take. Mr. Smith, in opening the case, drew attention to the plan. It was shown to you and you asked if you objected to it, and you said "No."

Mr. O'Connor: I had not looked at the plan at the time. Another defect of this plan it that it ii not by a surveyor.

Mr. Huntly Jenkine: The officer who made the plan it a qualified surveyor.

The Recorder: What do you want me to do—exclude it from the evidence?

Mr. O'Connor: Yes, my lord.

The Recorder made a note of the objection, but said he thought it would be better to admit the plan and let Mr. O'Connor take any course he pleased, the plan hating been Actually handed to the Jury in the belief that no objection was going to be taken to it. Of course it might be said under the circumstances that the Jury had law influenced by something that was not fair and not evidence.

Inspector LYON was then examined as to the positions in which he saw Knight with the bicycle as marked on the plan, and similar evidence was given by Detective-constable FRANCIS DYER, and Detective-constable SHUARD.

Detective-constable FRANCIS DYER, City, further examined. On the afternoon of Sunday, August 22, I arrived at the Poultry about 1.20 pa. I was by myself, acting under instructions. Button (another fitness) was not with me at that time. I saw him about 2.15 p.m., and after that he was occasionally in my company. When I arrived at Poultry I saw Gurron, who was standing outside Mappin and Webb's gateway, with a newspaper in his right hand. I then went round the apex of the triangle into Queen Victoria Street, where I met Detective Shuard. We both returned to Poultry. Gurron was then leaning on the handrail of the raised footway of the hoarding with his back to the gate, having moved his position about 2 ft It was possible for him to see Shuard and myself, because we were dodging about—sometimes together and sometimes apart. Besides Gurron, I saw another man not in custody. He stood at the corner of Poultry by Queen Victoria Street; that would be just the point of the triangle. When he moved I followed him. He walked to the corner of King Street, where he stood looking in the direction of the Mansion House. Then he appeared to be looking in the direction of Gurron, who was still leaning; on the handrail. I followed the man up Cheapside; he kept looking back until fie got to St. Paul's Churchyard, where I lost sight of him. I then returned to ✗Shuard in Poultry. Gurron was still leaning on the handrail. A third man, not in custody, carrying a newspaper, walked past Gurron and touched him with his left hand in this way (indicating). It did not appear that he touched him accidentally. Gurron then walked across to the Bank corner of Prince's Street, Shuaro, following him, and a few minutes later he was joined by the third man. They walked a few yards down Prince's Street and returned to the corner of Queen Victoria Street by Mappin and Webb's, where they stood in conversation. Gurron then walked into Poultry round by Mappin's door, turned round, and read his newspaper facing the gate. About a minute later the other man crossed over and beckoned Gurron with his newspaper. They joined in Grocers' Hall Court and together entered the saloon bar of the "Three Crowns" in Old Jewry. I did not see them join, as I went the other way, but I taw them enter the bar. They had a conversation there and appeared to by very excited and hurried away after they had had a drink. That would be about 10 minutes past two, as near as I can say. They

both returned to Poultry. It was as I came out of the public-house that I met the witness Sutton. I went through Bucklersbury, returned and spoke to Sutton. Gurron was standing then outside Lyons's Restaurant, almost opposite Mappin's. The third man crossed to the handrail and took out a newspaper from under his waistcoat. Shortly afterwards they both returned to Grocers' Hill Court, subsequently entered the same bar, had refreshment, sad returned to Poultry. Gurron then crossed over to Mappin sad Webb's, went close up to the gate, and appeared to be looking in. There are iron railings to the gate. The other man crossed over and stood with his back to Gurron, immediately behind him, holding his newspaper up in that fashion (indicating) and appeared to be reading. They remained in that position a few minutes. Then both suddenly hurried away up Cheapside. By Bucklersbury I lost tight of the third man. By that time it was about 10 minutes past three. I had not seen Knight yet. I followed Gurron. He walked up Cheapside very excited and kept looking back. Having gone as far as Newgate Street, he doubled back to outside Sweeting's by the O., where he got into a motor 'bus and immediately took off his hat. I got into the motor 'bus immediately afterwards and requested him to leave, which he did. I then told him I was a police officer and should take him into custody as a suspected person frequenting Cheapside for the supposed purpose of breaking into a shop. He said, "You have made a mistake." I then handed him over to two other officers, who were walking along Cheapside and directed then to take him to the police station. Shuard was present. Shuard and I then went in search of the third man, going in different directions, and as near as I can say, about a quarter to four, I met Inspector Lyon by the subway at Prince's Street. Shortly afterwards we were joined by Detective Shuard. We all went up Cheapside together. At the corner of King Street I noticed Knight standing with bit bicycle outside Bird-in-Hand Court. The bicycle was in the gutter with the hind wheel towards the Mansion House. Knight was is ft stooping position, looking over the top of the bicycle, apparently watching us and other people in Cheapside. He frequently stood up and looked in the direction of the Mansion House. From the tine we first saw him till the time we arrested him would be about 25 minutes. I crossed over and walked past him to see if I could see whether there was anything wrong with the bicycle. There was apparently nothing wrong and he was simply rubbing his fingers as and down the spokes. Of the three men who left Mappin and Webb's I arrested Russell and handed him over to another officer. I then immediately ran up and arrested Knight, who, as soon as he saw me, mounted his bicycle and had just got his right leg over toe saddle as I came up. I pulled him off and told him I was a police officer and he would be charged with the other men who, I believed, had broken into Messrs. Mappin and Webb's shop. He replied, have not been here a minute."

Cross-examined by Mr. Turrell. I was told to go to Poultry and keep observation as there were some men loitering about there. I

saw several hundreds of people daring the three hours I was there. As to the two men not in custody I thought the action, of the first was suspicious because he went off in such a hurried way. When Gurron got from the 'bus opposite Sweeting's it was stationary; he turned back from Newgate Street to get into it. I thought his action extraordinary as he could have caught a 'bus going east at the Mansion House. I should! have arrested him otherwise.

Cross-examined by Mr. O'Connor. The first time I met Shuard would be about 25 minutes to two in Queen Victoria Street. I had then left Gurron standing about a foot away from Mappin's door. Shuard and I, as near as I can remember, went through Bucklersbury; we were frequently meeting and parting. I did not see Knight until a quarter to four. Of the two men not in custody I saw the first one about half-past one o'clock and the second about two o'clock. I may have communicated my suspicions to Shuard; bit a lot occurred during three hours. I think it was Shuard who first noticed the second man. I was in and out of Poultry, Cheapside, Grocers' Hall Court, and Old Jewry perhaps 30 times. To the best of my belief Inspector Lyon first directed my attention to Knight; I had already formed an opinion when he spoke to me. I did not notice other cyclists waiting opposite some baulks of wood is Queen Victoria Street (one of the positions occupied by Knight). I suggest that when Knight was stooping behind his bicycle at Birdin-Hand Court he was watching me and other persons passing. I suggest he was there for the purpose of watching the men coming oil of Mappin's under pretence of mending his bicycle. There were not many people passing on that side of the pavement. I suggest that from the position in which he was he could see them leave the door of Mappin's premises and tell who they were. It is impossible to see the door, but you can see anybody emerge from the door. Immediately a man put his foot outside the door he could be seen; I hive proved it. Where Knight was standing was just in a line with the handrail round the hoarding. When the iron gate opposite Mappin and Webb's door is shut it is flush with the front of the other buildings. I did not see prisoner Knight do anything with ft spanner. His gear, including the spanner, was all wrapped up in cloth in a little tin box which I produce here. The cloth is marked with a "K." When I lost the second man I asked Shuard if he could say whore" he had gone; he said he could not. King Street is 51 yards from Bird-in-Hand Court. No one was left at the corner of Bird-in-Hand Court to arrest Knight and there was nothing to prevent him riding off down Bucklersbury.

Detective-constable JOHN SHUARD, further examined. On the afternoon of Sunday, August 22, I was with Detective Lyon, whom I met in the Poultry about 1.20. I there saw prisoner Gurron by Mappin and Webb's apparently reading a newspaper and facing east. I passed him and went as far as Price's Street, keeping him under observation from there. He walked up and down the street. He walked to the raised footway outside Mappin and Webb's and commenced reading the newspaper. Having remained

there some time he walked further on and had a look at the doorway of Mappin and Webb's. Then I saw another man and followed him along the triangular block through Bucklersbury. When I got through there I saw another officer, and as the man passed prisoner Gurron he touched him with his left hand. At that time I had Gurron under observation from 1.20 to three o'clock, when he left the vicinity and was arrested. After Gurron was arrested I returned to Queen Victoria Street and went through Pancras Lane to the corner of Bucklersbury, where I noticed prisoner Knight standing with his bicycle at the Bucklersbury corner of Queen Victoria Street with his left foot resting on a baulk of timber. He remained there a quarter of an hour and then rode round into Poultry. When he got opposite Wheeler's (the haberdasher's) shop, he got off his bicycle.

Cross-examined by Mr. Turrell. I had Gurron under observation the whole of the time excepting for about two minutes. I saw him meet a friend. I did not see him go into the tube station, but I saw him walking in that direction. I saw him have two drinks at the "Three Crowns," which I should say is about 80 yards or 90 yards from Mappings. I lost sight of them when they west down the tube steps. I followed the second man down to the tube railway at the entrance of Threadneedle Street. They went up the steps and crossed over to the Bank, all within the space of two minutes. The other man has disappeared.

By Mr. O'Connor. I only saw the back of the second man. I should say I mentioned about Knight to Dyer. I believe I said something about a man with a bike as I passed him, but I cannot say whether he heard me or not. It was not policy for us to be all together. If there had been officers enough you may take it we should have kept each suspected person in view the whole of the time. Inspector Lyon spoke to those in his company, which included the witness Sutton, at the corner of King Street. I do not remember the words but I remember Dyer going away. Lyon may have said, "The man standing by the bicycle looks a bit suspicious," but I cannot remember the words. I gave Inspector Lyon an account of what I had done, but I had not paid much interest to Knight.

  HUBERT WILLIAM SUTTON , electrician I am acquainted with Detective Dyer. On August 22, about 2.15 p.m., I met him at the Queen Victoria Street end of Bucklersbury by accident. After conversing with him I accompanied him into Poultry, where I saw prisoner Gurron outside Lyons's Restaurant, opposite Mappin sad Webb's. I first saw prisoner Knight about 3.10 riding a bicycle through Bucklersbury from the Victoria Street corner. He dismounted outside Bird-in-Hand Court and there looked about him in both directions. He then mounted his bicycle and rode throngs King Street and Gresham Street, returning through Old Jewry and again dismounted outside Bird-in-Hand Court. He again looked about him and stayed there 15 minutes or 20 minutes. He then walked with his bicycle through Bucklersbury into Queen Victoria

Street and I lost sight of him. After that I again met Dyer and was with him about five minutes. At about four o'clock I met Dyer with Inspector Lyon and Shuard at the corner of Prince's Street. We walked along Poultry towards Cheapside. Just before we came to King Street I observed Knight in a stooping position by his "bike" outside Bird-in Hand Court, rubbing his fingers up and down the spokes and looking over the top of the saddle and through the spokes of the wheel all round him, but principally towards the Mansion House. Ten or 15 minutes afterwards I saw Russell and the two Taylors arrested. Dyer arrested Knight just as he was mounting his bicycle to ride away.

Cross-examined. I am employed by the City of London Electric Light Company. I was strolling along Queen Victoria Street when I met Inspector Dyer. There is generally a number of people going by there on Sunday afternoon. I was in the neighbourhood about two hours after I met Detective Dyer. I was present at the police court proceedings. Detective Dyer came to my place and wrote out a statement from my dictation. We did not talk the matter over; I told it him voluntarily. I know Detective Shuard quite well tad saw him there that afternoon and asked him where Gurron had ✗ I saw Inspector Lyon about half-past three at the corner of Prince's Street. I did not hear what passed between Inspector Lyon and Dyer, or between Lyon and Shuard. At the corner of King Street I heard Inspector Lyon tell Dyer to walk round Knight, who was in a stooping position by his bicycle. I had called Shuard's attention to Knight. I said, "I have seen him here before." Having watched Dyer walk round Knight: we walked into Grocers' Hail Court, where we waited until Dyer joined us. Then we walked down Cheapside and saw the three men come out of Mappin and Webb's gateway. Several other bicyclists passed along Cheapside. I watched the two other men not in custody. They spoke to Gurron outside Lyons's Restaurant. I did not see any of these people talk to Knight. I was watching Gurron and two other men a good half-hour. Then Gurron went along Cheapside and the other two disappeared down Bucklersbury. It was while looking down Bucklersbury to see if I could see the two men that I noticed Knight coming up with his bicycle. To my knowledge, the detectives were not watching Knight before Inspector Lyon said his movements were suspicious. I did not think at first Knight was watching for an improper purpose, but on his second appearance I did, after he had gone through King Street and come back through Old Jewry. Until the three men came out it was not known that anybody had broken into Happin and Webb's, but it was suspected that it was intended to do so, and I thought myself these persons were there for the purpose of breaking in. I was not called as a witness at the police court as the Alderman (Sir Horatio Davies) said he had enough evidence.

Re-examined. I did not see any other cyclist besides Knight looking over the wheel of his bicycle.

(Friday, September 10.)

Detective-sergeant ARTHUR WOOLLARD, L. I have seen all the prisoners in this case. I knew Gurron and Russell previously to August 22 and have seen them together on two occasions. On August 2, the night of August Bank Holiday, I saw them together in Waterloo Road visiting public-houses. I had them under observation on that occasion about an hour and a quarter. They gave me no sign of recognition. The next occasion was on August 20, about 8.20 in the evening, just outside the "Dover Castle," Westminster Bridge Road On that occasion I had them under observation about 10 minutes As Gurron left the "Castle" he saw me, nodded his head and smiled.

Cross-examined by Mr. Turrell. When before the Alderman I did not say anything with regard to Gurron recognising me. I was, of course, in plain clothes. When Gurron left Russell he entered the "Dover Castle," and Russell went into the "Crown and Cushion" across the way. There were three other men in their company. One of them accompanied Russell to the "Crown and Cushion," and the other two went into a public house in the vicinity. I am perfectly convinced that Russell and Gurron were in each other's company When I saw them in the Waterloo Road there were thousands of people about, as is usual after a race meeting. Prisoners after their arrest were seen by about 100 officers for the purposes of recognition.

To Mr. Smith. I have not the slightest doubt that Gurron and Russell were the men I saw.

  WILLIAM SYDAL , jewellery manager of Messrs. Mappin and Webb, gave evidence as to the value of the jewellery. The total value handed over to him by the police was £43,533, and he produced a complete list of the property.

  HENRY ERNEST WRIXON . I am a gold chain maker, and carry on ray business at 72, Herbert Street, Hoxton, which is a private house I have known prisoner Knight between eight and 10 years. He is scarcely a friend, but has often been sent to my place by his father on business. On Saturday, August 21, he came to my house and asked for the loan of my bicycle. I had never lent the bicycle whim before. He spoke of a trip to Brighton on the following Monday or early in the week. I lent it to him and he took it away.

Cross-examined by Mr. O'Connor. During the time that I have known him he has borne the reputation of a respectable man. I have never heard anything said against his honesty. I know his father well. He is a second hand furniture dealer. The intention was that prisoner Knight should have the loan of the bicycle for a few days, to the end of the week if he wanted it. The bicycle was not perfectly sound; it was rideable, but there was a fault in the free wheel, the pedals sometimes revolving without the bicycle going forward. It would not be necessary to tighten the chain to get the adjustments right again; it would right itself in another revolution.

To Mr. Smith. I consider the bicycle was in a condition to be safely run a trip to Brighton. I did not think it necessary to mention this defect to Knight; it did not occur to me; I attached very little importance to it.

The bicycle was brought into court and Detective Shuard gave a demonstration of Knight kneeling by the bicycle and peering furtively over the wheel at passers by. Knight is 11 in. shorter than the detective.

(Defence.)

  CHARLES GURRON (prisoner, on oath). I very well remember being outside Mappin and Webb's in Cheapside on Sunday, August 22, at 1.10 p.m. It is quite true that I was leaning against the railing outside the hoarding reading a newspaper. I had come from Oakley Buildings, Oakley Street, Lambeth, where I had been staying with my brother. I was in Cheapside because I had an appointment with a friend of mine at the Bank corner of Prince's Street; he never came. I did not see either of the prisoners there. I had never seen Knight Won he came into the police station. I do not know either of the Taylors I do not know Russell personally; I may have seen him at race meetings; I think I should know him by sight. On August Bank Holiday I went to Sandown Park. I have no recollection of seeing Russell that day. I was not in Westminster Bridge Road in the evening of August 20; to say I was is a lie. I know Sergeant Woollard very well. I did not see him on that day. I did not go into a public house with Russell on that day. On Sunday, August 22, I had given up waiting just after two for my friend, and I went across to the Tube Railway and booked my ticket to Kennington. I was about to get into the lift when a man I know very well came out and asked me where I was going. We stood talking a little while and then went and had a drink in the Old Jewry. I strolled a little way Up Cheapside and said "Good day" to the party I was drinking with. I thought I would wait a little longer, thinking possibly my friend might turn up. Then I went back to the Bank corner, where I stayed some little time. Then I walked up Cheapside to Sweeting's, thinking that there might be some mistake as to the place of meeting. I crossed to the middle of the road, and seeing the motor 'bus pass I thought to myself, "I will not wait any longer," and got into the bus. To my great surprise I was beckoned out. I had no idea that any shop or warehouse breaking was to take place that aftertoon.

Cross-examined by Mr. Smith. Mr. Barker was the name of the man I had an appointment with. He was up till within a fortnight ago foreman at Pettitt's, the cab proprietors, and he resides in Riverside Street, but I do not know the number. I was going to accompany him that Sunday afternoon to Chadwell Heath, where he was thinking of taking new premises. I have sent a message to him by a friend, and as he has not replied I conclude he has changed his address. I am quite certain I told my solicitor the name of the man with whom I had an appointment. I am very much surprised that he has not come forward to speak for me. The friend I asked to ascertain Barker's whereabouts has a coffee shop at 11, St. George's Circus. The friend I afterwards met on the afternoon of August 22 is named

Alfred Green. He is in the billiard profession, but I do not knot where he lives. I have made no attempt to bring him here; I do not see why I should. It is a falsehood to suggest I was hiving suspicious conversations with different men outside Mappin and Webb's shop. I listened to the evidence in the court below, hut I did not then think the case was so serious. I am confident I only spoke to that one man. I deny that I was loitering round Mappin and Webb's pretending not to look at the premises while really looking at them. I did not know Russell on August 22, nor what hit name was. I should not have known him as a racing man if I had met him in the street. I cannot call to mind that I saw him on the August Bank Holiday. When I came off Waterloo Station on that day I went into the "Lord Hill" and the "Hero." I have seen Russell at race meetings. I went into the "Lord Hill" and the "Hero" to look for someone. I may explain that among people who frequent race meetings, if a man has had a bad day, someone who has had a good day will perhaps give him a bit of silver, and I was going about to see if I could Bee any friends who had had a good day so that I might be able to get a little bit of money. Russell was not in my company. I spoke to perhaps two or three doses people, and I think someone took me into the "Hero."

  CHARLES KNIGHT (prisoner, on oath). I have lived at Warden Place, Clerkenwell Green, for two years, and before that lived it Charlton Place, Euston Road. By occupation I am a furniture porter employed by Messrs. Furber, Price, and Furber, auctioneers and estate agents, of Warwick Court, Gray's Inn. Before this I have never been charged with any offence against honesty. I first saw the prisoners John and George Taylor, Russell, and Gurron it the police station. I have never lived in Lambeth. Before I was arrested I knew nothing of Mappin and Webb's premises being broken into. What Mr. Wrixon has said about lending me tin bicycle on Saturday, August 21, is correct. I had the option from my employers of taking a week's holiday, and arranged with Mr. Wrixon to have the use of it for a week. I took the bicycle away on the Saturday. On the Sunday, about three o'clock I was in the "Crown" public house, Clerkenwell Green, at closing time. From there I went across Clerkenwell Green, up Goswell Road, turned don City Road, past Finsbury Pavement, into Aldgate, and so to Petticoat Lane, where I bought a pair of trouser clips to tighten my trousers for the bicycle. Then I bought some fried fish at a shop in Middlesex Street, and eat it inside the shop. Then I got on the bicycle and rode towards the Bank. Coming along I stopped to look at the machine because I could not get a proper treadle on it. I could not exactly tell you through what streets I passed became I do not know the names of the streets in the City. The machine broke down a second time just by Bird in Hand Court. I could not make out what was the matter with the machine, because every now and then when I worked the treadle it turned without moving the wheel; the attachment being lose the pedals revolved without the machine moving. Then I got my spanner out to tighten the nuts,

thinking that might make a little difference. I did not leave Petticoat Lane until 10 minutes to 4, and when I stopped at Bird in Hand Court it was about 4.10 p.m. I might have been at Bird in Hand Court quarter hour or 20 minutes. I stooped down to examine the bicycle, but did not watch passers by over the top or through the spokes. I may have looked towards the Bank, as Shuard said, and also up Cheapside, but I was looking at the bicycle mostly. I thought I had put the machine right, and put the spanner with the other tools in a parcel, in the tool box, but I never had a chance to try the machine, as I was arrested. That was my only stoppage in Cheapside. I was not, as the witness Sutton said, outside Bird in Hand Court at 3.10. I did not cycle through King; Street, Gresham Street, and Old Jewry. There were plenty of cyclists passing. I did not sell the police whose bicycle I was riding they never asked me the question. I did not know what I was charged with till 10.30 on Sunday night. I did not know any of the detectives by appearance, and, as far as I know, had never seen them before this case. When Dyer arrested me he said, "I want you; you are concerned with these men." I said, "What men?" He said, "You will know all about it when you get down there. We have got a friend of your'n down here." I did not make any reply to that. I could not make it out; I was fairly done. I could hardly stand, and was trembling all war. He then claimed me and "scurfed" me down to the station. I asked one of the detectives what I was there for. He said, "You till know later on." I did not say when arrested," I have only fast here one minute," or anything like that. If the machine would go I intended riding to Brighton on the Monday. I stopped at Bird in Hand Court to be out of the way of the traffic. I intended to ride from there to my father's place in Holborn.

Cross-examined. The "Crown" on Clerkenwell Green is a house I use, and they know me there. I have not been there to ask if they would come here to say I was there at three o'clock on August 22, but my niece, a girl about 13 years of age, can prove that she fold my bicycle while I went to get a drink. It was so close to time that the people of the house probably would not remember wring me. Since I have been in Brixton I have asked my father to see if they did remember. I saw my father afterwards, but forgot to ask him about the matter, as I had so much to tell him. It took me 10 minutes or quarter hour to ride to Petticoat Lane; there are 60 or 70 stalls there, and I bought the clips at one of the stalls. The fish shop is about 100 yards from where I bought the clips. I remained there 10 minutes or quarter hour. I do not know whether they know me at the fish shop. I may have been there a dozen times in the last 12 months. The name of the waitress is Polly. I cannot say for certain that she would recognise me; she serves so many hundreds of people. I have made no attempt to get evidence from the fish shop. I do not know that it is written up in the cell that the police would get any witness I wanted. I am not much of a scholar; I cannot read; I can write my name. I am 26. I did go to school, but left when I was in the second standard. I told

my solicitor I had been to the fish shop. I do not know whether he has made enquiries. I have not seen anyone from the fish shop court. It would be about 20 minutes to 4 that I left the fish shop The first trouble I had with the bicycle was at Finsbury Pavement. Nothing happened to it afterwards till I got to Bird in Hand Court. When I left the fish shop I did not go straight to the Bank, bet looked at the stalls again on my way back to see what I could pick up. I was in the roadway, but the stalls are flat, and you can look over them. It would be about 5 minutes to 4 when 1 left for the Bank. I saw the time I arrived in Bird in Hand Court by Bennetts clock. I was not at the spot where Bucklersbury meets Queen Victoria Street at 3.10; if anybody says I was there that is incorrect It is not true that I stood by Mappin and Webb's where Poultry meets Queen Victoria Street with my foot resting upon a baulk of timber. I did not stop in the Poultry just beyond Mappin and Webb's shop going in the direction of Bird in Hand Court at 3.30 The only place I stopped at was outside Bird in Hand Court. My father's house is No. 9, Beecham Street, Holborn, just at the back of the "Prudential." My father lives and used to carry on business there, but the business has been discontinued now for about six months, and I have kept the bicycle in the shop since it has been empty. On the Sunday morning I went to see Mr. Wrizon because I had promised to take the bicycle back that day as he wanted to go out on it, bet I had overslept myself, and went to tell him so. I was to have had the bicycle again on the Monday. I had it on Saturday to have a trial spin. The tools were wrapped up in the bag, and after I had used the spanner I wrapped them up again. Notwithstanding the evidence to the contrary, I say I did use the spanner. There is so truth in the suggestion that I was in the neighbourhood of Cheapside before four o'clock. I did not say when arrested I had only bees there quarter hour. I made no remark at all. I said when Dyer came up, "What is this for? I do not know nothing about it."

Re-examined. There were many people in the bar of the "Crown" at three o'clock. I usually call at the fish shop when I am that way, which may be once in three months or once a week. It is necessary to have practice on a bicycle before going a long journey, like that to Brighton. I have not communicated with Mr. Wrixon since the date of my arrest.

  WILLIAM MARTIN , furniture dealer, 70, Margaret Street, Clerken well; PETER WALSH, furniture porter, 137, Fotheringham Road, Enfield; and RICHARD SAMUEL HOLT, house agent, 3a, Beecham Street, Brook Street, Holborn, gave prisoner Knight a good character.

(Saturday, September 11.)

Verdict: Gurron, Guilty; Knight, Not guilty.

Mr. Huntley Jenkins said he did not propose to proceed with the wounding indictment, all the facts in connection with it having come out in the hearing of the charge of breaking and entering.

Detective-sergeant ROBERT HOWELL, Liverpool police, proved the conviction of Russell at Liverpool Assizes on November 27, 1902. He was then tried on three indictments for shop breaking, on two of which he was convicted, the sentences being two terms of three years penal servitude, to run concurrently. In February 1905, he was discharged on license. On May 17, 1905, he was sentenced to four months' hard labour at Preston Sessions for welching, and his license was revoked. He was let out again on license on March 16, 1906, in the Manchester district, and there were subsequent convictions, the date of the last being July 8, 1907. when he had three months at Leeds for loitering. His criminal career commenced in 1899, Witness also said that he had had occasion to keep prisoner under observation, and knew him to be the companion of expert thieves. At the time of the Liverpool conviction he was taken in company with a notorious old convict.

To Mr. Purcell. When I have seen him at Liverpool since his conviction it has been during the racing season. Before he received the sentence of penal servitude his longest term of imprisonment was two months.

Detective-sergeant GEORGE MARSH, Halifax police, proved previous convictions against George Taylor. On October 14, 1901, he was convicted of shopbreaking at the West Riding Sessions at Wakefield, and sentenced to ten years' penal servitude, and released on June 5 of tail year, with two years and 130 days to serve, so that when this offence was committed he had only been out of prison two months. There were many previous convictions, and his record was a terrible one. He had had seven years three times, and was sentenced to penal servitude twice within one year. On March, 1899, he was sentenced at York to seven years for shopbreaking. On June 29, 1890, he escaped from Wakefield Gaol. He immediately committed a similar offence at Rochester, and was sentenced to another term of seven years. There was a large number of other convictions, prisoner having commenced his career of crime in 1879.

Inspector THOMAS DIVALL, J. Division, and speaking to the conviction against John Taylor, said he was not related to George Taylor. About 12 years ago, when his lordship was Common Serjeant, prisoner John Taylor was charged with another man with stealing the watch of Mr. Spencer. Charrington within the precincts of the House of Common, and sentenced as John Pickett to 18 months' hard labour. Witness happened to be passing through the court and recognised him as a dangerous criminal, prisoner then posing as a respectable man. There was only one other conviction for loitering at Newbury, but witness thought that was because the police had been unfortunate. He had known prisoner from boyhood; he had never done any work in his life, but was the associate of thieves, and had been a pickpocket almost since he was able to move about.

To Mr. Huntley Jenkins. I cannot tell whether this prisoner was concerned in stealing the motor trophy.

To Mr. Purcell. I believe the men concerned in stealing the motor trophy came from America.

To Mr. Gilbert Beyfus. I have seen prisoner John Taylor about racecourses. I cannot say he has done work as a commission agent because no one would trust him with money.

Police-constable THOMAS BROTHERHOOD, 318 A, proved a number of convictions against Gurron.

Detective-inspector FRANK PIKE stated that Gurron was the leader of and the brains of a very dangerous gang of thieves infesting Waterloo Station and the neighbourhood of the Elephant and Cattle. On many occasions he had seen him going away with gangs of thieves to race meetings, and had seen him on racecourses in all parts of the country. He did not pretend ever to do any work, but was an habitual criminal pure and simple.

Prisoner Gurron. You are a liar.

To Mr. Turrell. I do not know that Gurron was employed at a restaurant for three years.

The Recorder asked for the evidence of the doctor who attended Smith, the caretaker.

  HAROLD THOMAS HAY WARD BUTT , house surgeon, St. Bartholomew's Hospital. On Sunday, August 22, between four and five in the afternoon, the man Smith was brought to the hospital by ambulance. He was very collapsed and white, and had obviously recently lost a good deal of blood. He had three wounds on the left side of the head, two of them down to the bone. The instrument with which they were inflicted could not have been quite blunt, the cuts were too sharp for that. A jemmy would have done them. He was bleeding from his mouth, one of his finger nails was torn off his left hand; both his wrists were very swollen as if something had been tied round them; he could not move his right arm, and had an injury or injuries to his shoulder. That was the extent of his injuries He was an inpatient for six days. He could just speak, that was all; he could speak when we got him into bed and got him warm, but he was very bad when he came in. His lips and gums were bleeding as if something had been done to them We gave him restoratives. He is still an out-patient. His nervous system was very much upset, so much so that he could not sleep, and we had to give him opiates; he was always talking about the matter; it was on his nerves, and we kept him in a separate room. He is much better now; his external injuries are practically healed, but he is still suffering from the effects. Three weeks in a Convalescent Home would probably do him a great deal of good.

Detective-inspector WILLIAM GOUGH, BOW Street, gave evidence as to the connection of prisoners Russell and Gurron with the robbery of the motor trophy. A gang of American criminals came over here, and were kept under observation, but their arrest was not effected until the 17th of May last, when they were caught red-handed stealing the motor trophy of the Rover Motor Company from the shop in New Oxford Street. Two men were convicted and sentenced at the County of London Sessions shortly afterwards, and prisoners Gurron and Russell had since been identified by three of the witnesses as being two of the men who got away on that occasion. It had been

decided that the matter should be mentioned to hit lordship. One man went into the shop and took the assistant to the other end of it; another went in and stole the cup; a man outside held a newspaper to the window to hide the man inside; another man stood in the doorway. There were only two detectives keeping observation; the result was that only two of the men were caught, and the trophy unfortunately was carried off and never recovered.

To Mr. Purcell. As a matter of fact, we knew who the other men were that were concerned in this robbery, but were unable to effect their arrest, but as soon as they were in custody, on the very first say they came up, I had a witness at the Mansion House Police Court, and they were identified from amongst a number of other men. A detective is in court now who established their identity.

To the Recorder. In the ordinary way they would have been brought up on a Home Office order, and the indictment would have been proceeded with had they not been in custody on this serious charge. On release they will be rearrested.

Mr. Turrell (for Gurron) said that, although he did not cross-examine, he did not admit anything of the kind.

Sentences: John Taylor, Russell, and George Taylor, Ten years' penal servitude; Gurron (who could have taken no part in the wounding), eight years' penal servitude.

Mr. Huntley Jenkins mentioned that Sir Horatio Davies, when committing the case for trial, paid the highest possible compliment to the police concerned, and those who instructed him for the prosecution would like to associate themselves with that very high component. This matter was discovered by a cabman. His suspicions were aroused; he did not know what was likely to take place, but to knew prisoners as bad characters; he went round to the police station, and Inspector Lyon went out with his men and surrounded the piece.

The Recorder remarked that probably Messrs. Mappin and Webb would think the cabman's particular service was entitled to recognition.

Mr. Huntley Jenkins said he understood that the cabman and everybody connected with the case was to be rewarded.

The Recorder agreed in everything that had been said with regard to the police. The capture reflected the greatest credit on Inspector Lyon and his subordinates, and only emphasized what he had known for many years—and in this the Alderman beside him (Sir Horatio Davies) concurred—that there was no finer body of police in the world than the City police.

Mr. Jenkins asked for an order of restitution.

The Recorder said it was not necessary to make such an order, but he would make it.

BEFORK THE COMMON SERJEANT.

(Thursday, September 9.)