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William Shakespear , theft: simple grand larceny, 03 Sep 1766.The Proceedings of the Old Bailey Ref: t17660903-51 |
Trial Summary:
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Original Text:449. (L.) William Shakespear was indicted for stealing a handkerchief, value 2 s. the property of James Walding , July 31. ++ James Walding . I am a seaman; as I was coming along by Shoe-lane end, almost a month ago, between nine and ten at night, two men came out of Shoe-lane, the prisoner being one of them, walked along the left side me; I saw a hand in my pocket; I turned round and catched him by the collar; I took his hand and my handkerchief in it out, and turned my pocket inside out; by so doing, I said, good man, give me my handkerchief and I'll let you go; a man coming by said, give him his handkerchief and he'll let you go; he said he did not put his hand in my pocket; upon that I carried him to the Round-house, and delivered him to the care of the constable; there was his comrade close by him when I said, give me my handkerchief; he made off; the prisoner dropped a blue handkerchief, but that was not mine; I had used mine but a little before. David Evans . I was coming from my work that night down Holbourn-hill; I met the prosecutor, the prisoner was by his side; I saw his hand in the prosecutor's pocket; I passed by them, and upon hearing him call out, good man give me my handkerchief, I turned round, and they were collaring each other; there was another man with the prisoner; they dropped a blue and white spotted one; I took it up and gave it to the Black, (that is the prosecutor) he would not own it; I saw the prisoner's companion going over the way, I did not go after him. Prisoner's defence. Coming up Holbourn hill the prosecutor turned round, and said his pocket was picked; this other gentleman said he saw my hand in his pocket, that is very false; they took me into the watch-house, I desired them to search me; the prosecutor said, if I would give him half a crown he would not appear against me; he said he gave a gentleman 3 s. 6 d. a day to come and appear against me. Q. Did you ever offer as the prisoner has said? Prosecutor. No, I never did; they came to me at Esquire Walker's, where my wife is now, to make it up, and I said I would not make it up, till I know what footing I was upon; I have attended here these four days, and his friends almost tore me to pieces in the Sessions-house yard; I was forced to confine myself in the alehouse. Q. What are you on board a ship? Walding. I am cook on board a merchant ship; I lost several things by pickpockets; I lost a pair of shoes last year on Tower-hill, and I always said, the first I catch I'll hold fast. For the prisoner. Elizabeth Pitman . I live at Mr. Downing's in Fleet-street; the prisoner's sister desired me to go to the Esquire's house where the prosecutor's wife lives; I said the prisoner was my brother, but he is not. Court. So then you have the confidence to come here to give an account you wanted to compound a felony. Abraham Doyle . I am a waiter at the Shakespear's-head. Q. Is not that a bawdy-house? Doyle. People say so. Court. A remarkable gentleman; you need say no more. Guilty T. |
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