Richard Newman proceedingsdefend , of St. Mary le Bone , was indicted for feloniously stealing a Gold Ring set with Diamonds, value 14 l. and a Gold Ring set with Emeralds, the Property of John Rathbone proceedingsvictim , Doctor of Physick , on the 6th of November last, in the Dwelling-house of the said Dr. John Rathbone < no role > .

Dr. Rathbone depos'd, That on the 6th of November in the Morning he call'd his Man for Water to wash himself, and pull'd off his Rings, but the Man not bringing the Water immediately, he went out of his Room to give some Directions to his Gardener, leaving his Rings behind him, and when he came back, which was in 4 or 5 Minutes, his Rings were taken away from the Table on which he left them.

Ann Tretter < no role > depos'd, That she heard a Man in the Parlour, (she being in the Kitchen) and call'd to John Dickenson < no role > , her Master's Footman, to run up Stairs and see who it was, for she fear'd there was a Thief there, who would steal her Master's Sword, that whilst she was in these Fears, she heard somebody go out of the Parlour, and looking after him saw a Man run out, but she could not say the Man who run was the Prisoner at the Bar.

John Dickenson < no role > depos'd, That he going up Stairs and find-his Master's Rings were gone, ran in pursuit of the Person, who he heard had been in the Room, that he ask'd as he went, if any one pass'd by, and heard of the Prisoner being upon the run that he followed him, and he got over a Wall. that he pursued him to Tottenham-Court Road, crying, Stop Thief, till the Prisoner was apprehended.

Mr. Jones depos'd, That he heard the Prisoner confess he was at the Prosecutor's Parlour Door, but he did not confess the taking the Prosecutor's Rings, for which he stood indicted.

John Haws < no role > depos'd, That he hearing a cry of Stop Thief, and seeing the Prisoner run, pursued him, and presently the Prisoner turn'd back and talk'd with him, he having then a Plaisterer's Hammer in his Hand; that he this Deponent ask'd him what the Matter was, and why he ran away; To which he answered, They said he had stole two Rings, which he knew nothing of; this Deponent told him, if he was an honest Man he would surrender and clear himself; he said he was clear of what they charg'd him, and only went to the Door to enquire for one Mr. May, a Plaisterer; upon which Tale this Deponent left him to be pursued by the others who were behind.

He made this a Part of his Defence, and said, that he likewise was afraid of Bailiffs, and had Information from one of his Acquaintance that he was in danger of being arrested: Being ask'd why he told Mr. Haws, that they who were in pursuit of him said he had stole two Rings, he said he overheard his Pursuers say he had stolen two Rings.

Mary Benson < no role > depos'd, That she told the Prisoner that Morning to take care of himself, or he would be laid in a Goal for 16 Pounds which he owed to her Master, who was resolved to arrest him.

Several others appeared and gave him an extraordinary Character, and he being a Plaisterer, a great many who had been his Masters in that Business, said, he had behaved himself very honestly for several Years, and had acquitted himself in Noblemen's Houses with Reputation; the Jury acquitted him.