627. (M.) MICHAEL SMITH proceedingsdefend was indicted for stealing a sow pig, value 3 s. and two barrow pigs, value 6 s. the property of William Barrow proceedingsvictim , Oct. 10th . *

William Barrow < no role > . I am a scavenger , and live at Westminster: the prisoner was my servant . On Sunday the 10th of October I had three pigs in my stye; I saw them safe between eight and nine in the morning; I went out in the forenoon; I was returning home between twelve and one; I met the prisoner a little way from my house with two pigs upon his back in a basket; I had not the least suspicion of their being mine; I went home at three o'clock; I went to look after my pigs and they were gone; then I suspected the prisoner; I ordered my men to secure him if he came again; he came on Monday morning and they secured him. I went to him in order to take him before a Justice; then he told me that two of my pigs were at Mr. Bannister's, and the other at Mr. Loft's; I went to both of them and found my pigs.

George Bannister < no role > . I bought two pigs of the prisoner, that Mr. Earrow claimed, on Sunday was se'ennight about one at noon.

Nicholas Loft < no role > . I bought the other pig of the prisoner on Sunday forenoon, between nine and ten o'clock; he told me he won it at a raffle.

The prisoner called three witnesses who gave him a good character.

After the Jury had found the prisoner guilty , the prosecutor informed the Court that the prisoner had bore a good character, and that he was willing to take him again into his service if the Court would shew him favour, upon which he was branded in the hand and discharged.

[Imprisonment. See summary.]