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

11th October 1721

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Currently Held: Harvard University Library

LL ref: t17211011-44




William Crow proceedingsdefend and James Browne proceedingsdefend , of St. Mary in Whitchapel , were indicted for the Murder of Sarah Douglas proceedingsvictim Widow , on the 3d of October last. William Crow, for that he driving an empty Cart with 4 Horses the Fore-Horse did strike and throw the Deceased to the Ground, and the near Wheel of the Cart ran over the Small Part of the Deceased's Back, of which she instantly died: And James Browne < no role > for Aiding and Abetting him therein . William Crow was a second time indicted on the Coroner's Inquest for Manslaughter for the same. John Howard < no role > deposed, that as he was looking out of his Window between 11 and 12 a Clock the Day aforesaid, he heard a Cart or Waggon drive very furiously along, he lookt, and saw a Woman with a Child in her Arms, the Fore-House struck the Woman down and the Child from her, and the Wheel ran over the Deceased, who never spoke after: that both the Prisoners were in the Cart, and drove as hard as they could. Elizabeth Widger < no role > deposed, that she was just by when the Fore-Horse beat the Deceased down, and the Child out of her Arms: That the Cart was drawn by 4 Horses, and both the Prisoners in the Cart, who drove violently: That the Deceased had past 2 Carts that were standing still, and was run over by this Brick-Cart: and being askt whether the Pisoners did not stop their Cart and jump down to take care of her, answered, that neither of them came down, nor stopt their Horses, but whipt them and drove away as fast as they could, without taking any manner of Care of the Deceased. Elizabeth Lisle < no role > confirmed the same, adding that the Deceased was 60 Years of Age. The Prisoners in their Defence said, that a Drayman whipt their Horses, which set them on a Gallop, and they could not stop them. But they were told that they were in an unlawful Act, by riding in their Cart in a publick Road, which is prohibited by Law, and ought to have been on the Ground leading their Horses, which if they had done (as was their Duty) would have prevented this Mischief. Mr. Scott deposed, that crow was his Servant , and had the care of the Cart; that Browne was his Father's Servant , and went with Crow to unload the Bricks; but Crow had the Whip. And being askt, said, that his Father and himself were Partners, and that they were both of them honest civil Men. Another deposed, that Crow was his Servant 2 Years as a Carter, and was a very good Servant. The Jury considering the matter, Acquitted Browne, and found Crow Guilty of Manslaughter . Burnt in the Hand .




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