Old Bailey Proceedings:
Old Bailey Proceedings: Accounts of Criminal Trials

28th June 1780

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Currently Held: Harvard University Library

LL ref: t17800628-13




304. CHRISTOPHER PLUMLEY otherwise JOHN WILLIAMS proceedingsdefend This name instance is in set 978. was indicted for stealing a tankard, value 5 l. the property of Alexander Sutherland proceedingsvictim , in the dwelling-of the said Alexander , June 28th .

ALEXANDER SUTHERLAND < no role > sworn.

I keep a public-house . On Thursday last, after ten o'clock at night, the prisoner came into my house; he had got my name very pat; there was another man with him; they were well dressed. The prisoner would go into the parlour; he called for a light and a tankard of beer; I drew < no role > the beer in a silver tankard, and set it upon the table. The prisoner said there was a third gentleman coming, dressed in green, and if he should enquire for a gentleman, to let him know that he was in the parlour. Another gentleman came and went into the parlour.

MARTHA SUTHERLAND < no role > sworn.

I am the wife of the last witness. About half after ten o'clock, as I was going to the street door, I saw the parlour door was left open. I looked in and saw one man in the room, who was a stranger to me. My husband was in the tap-room. I saw the tankard on the table. He turned round and saw me looking in at the crevice; he sat down again and seemed rather frightened; upon this I went into the street, and looked in at the parlour window. The curtains were drawn, but I observed him for five minutes. I saw him take up the tankard and drink and then put it down again. I am sure that man was the prisoner. After that I saw him take the tankard up and put it behind him, under his coat. I stood on the step waiting his coming out. When he came out I took hold of him by the collar, and asked him what he had got under his coat; he dropped the tankard then at my feet; I kept fast hold of him; he dragged me the breadth of two streets. When he found I kept fast hold of him, he attempted to slip his coat off, but I held him till he was taken.

PRISONER's DEFENCE.

I was much in liquor.

Prosecutor. I did not observe him to be in liquor at the time.

GUILTY ( Death .)

(This prisoner had been capitally convicted for a similar offence, but execution having been respited during the king's pleasure. He was one of those who were released from Newgate, by the rioters.)

Tried by the Second Middlesex Jury before Mr. Justice ASHHURST.




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