William Barnelly proceedingsdefend , was indicted for assaulting Thomas Southgate proceedingsvictim near the Highway, putting him in fear of his Life and violently taking from him 8 s. and 9 d. in Money number'd , the 22d of May last. The Prosecutor depos'd, that on 22d of May, about 11 a-Clock in the Forenoon, he was going between Newington-Green and Newington Church ; that meeting the Prisoner, and pasting by him, he stopp'd him, and pulling out a Shoemaker's Knife, swore in a very violent manner, that if he did not give him his Money he would stab him; that no-body being near to assist him, he gave him his Money, which was 3 Half-Crowns, a Shilling, and 3d. in Halfpence. The Prisoner made no Defence for himself, standing as unconcern'd as to what the Evidence swore against him, as if he had not heard or understood them, staring now this way, now that way with a wild Air in his Counternance, would make no Answer to any thing was ask'd him by the Keepers, &c. that stood by, but, I don't know, and the like; but several Persons appear'd on his Behalf, who depos'd, that he was a Member of a Club or Society, who being inform'd that he was disorder'd in his Mind, and by going to see him, found him to be so, and did pay him a Weekly Allowance, and were contriving to get him into Bedlam. There were several Depositions of other Persons as to the Oddness of his Behaviour. Upon the whole of which, the Jury acquitted him, as Non compos mentis .