Ann Christian , Sarah Cayton , William Shakespeare , theft: pick pocketing, 14 Jul 1762.

The Proceedings of the Old Bailey Ref: t17620714-23

Trial Summary:

• Crime(s): theft : pick pocketing
• Verdict: Not Guilty

Original Text:

198, 199, 200. (L.) Ann Christian , spinster; Sarah Cayton , and William Shakespeare , were indicted for stealing three guineas, the property of John Hall , privately from his person, June 23 ++ .

John Hall. I am a taylor. I live in Black Friers. I went on Wednesday the 23d of last month to Ann Christian and Sarah Cayton 's in Black Boy Alley; they were drinking of tea. I sat down, and said I would have some tea along with them. They said, I must contribute something to the tea. I gave sixpence to Ann Christian out of my right hand pocket. She went out to buy tea or sugar, and gave me my groat back. I was to be two pence. After that she poured out the liquor, and brought a cup to me. I took it for tea, but found it very nauseous. I said, this is either gin or annifeed. Drink it, Jemmy, says she, it will do you good. Then she asked me to walk up stairs; I did, but found myself very giddy and stupid; I had partly lost my senses: I wish'd myself out of the house; I said I would call at night. I did not lie down on the bed, I laid me on the floor, and immediately fell fast asleep; and while I was on the ground I felt somebody about my left-hand pocket: I was not asleep or awake, but stupid; I lay on my left side where the money was, and they rolled me on my right. The money that I lost was three guineas, bound up in a piece of white paper, and a ribbon bound over it and pinn'd.

Q. You say that you was turn'd from your left side to your right side; can you tell who turn'd you?

Hall. I cannot tell; I could not observe any particular person turn me; they were both together, Ann Christian and Sarah Cayton . As soon as I waked I saw Ann Christian ; she was going down stairs; she went down stairs before I could recover; I told her she had robbed me; she then look'd much confused. I brought her up stairs again; Cayton was out of the house. I told Ann Christian she had robbed me; she said she had not; I charged a constable with her. Shakespeare sat in one place all the time.

All three acquitted.