Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 04 October 2023), February 1781, trial of SARAH BRANDAN alias GALWAY (t17810222-46).

SARAH BRANDAN, Theft > grand larceny, 22nd February 1781.

177. SARAH BRANDAN alias GALWAY , spinster , was indicted for stealing ten guineas in monies numbered , the property of Charles Keeling , January 13th .

SAMUEL COLLINS sworn.

On Friday the 2 d of February, Charles Keeling came to my house and said he had been robbed; in consequence of that I found the person he represented had robbed him, which is the prisoner. I found her at the Castle in Swallow-street; she made to the door to go off as soon as I entered the house; Keeling was with me. I brought her back into the tap-room; she attempted to secrete a nutmeg grater which she took out of her pocket. In trying to get it out of her hand it came open, and some guineas fell about the room; nine guineas were picked up. I searched her pocket and took out two half crown pieces, then I brought her to a magistrate.

Did Keeling charge the prisoner with any thing? - Yes; he charged her to her face with robbing him; he said he had lost fifty guineas but he did not believe this woman had them all. She denied the charge, and said she had had ten guineas from Mr. Balfour, a publican, in Clarges-street, May-Fair.

JOHN BALFOUR sworn.

I am a publican. She came to me and left ten guineas and an half for me to keep for her; she called for it about ten or eleven o'clock the next day.

( Charles Keeling the prosecutor was called but did not appear).

NOT GUILTY .

Tried by the First Middlesex Jury before Mr. RECORDER.