426. (M.) Robert Baker proceedingsdefend was indicted for stealing one cloath coat, value 2 s. the property of John Webb proceedingsvictim , May 29 . ++

John Webb < no role > . I am a labourer , I work for one Thompson at the Pye Bull, Islington ; I was at work on the 29th of May, it was hot weather; I pulled of my coat and waistcoat; I left my coat with my tools I was at work with; where I was making a ditch in a field at the back of my master's house; I left them while I went for a pint of beer: agoing down to get my beer I saw a man come along, I suspected he might take something; I stood to see him pass by, which he did: the prisoner came up to speak to that man; afterwards I saw the prisoner pass by my cloaths; get to a hedge, drop down, and creep under the hedge; that led me to suspect he intended to steal something: I watched him and saw him take up something; I was at some distance in the next field and could not distinguish what it was: I pursued him at the distance of about 300 yards: I laid hold of the prisoner; I struggled with him; I brought him to the ground, and found this coat in his lap.

Prisoner's Defence.

I did take it, but did not intend to steal it; it was an old ragged coat: I thought it belonged to nobody.

For the Prisoner.

Mary Welch < no role > . I have known him six years: my husband is a plated spur maker, he was an errand boy to us.

George Fell < no role > . I never knew any thing dishonest in him; he was brought up from a child by my wife.

Guilty, 10 d. W .