1062. JOHN FITZGERALD proceedingsdefend was indicted for feloniously assaulting George Davis proceedingsvictim , on the 26th of May , on the King's highway, at St. Giles's in the Fields, putting him in fear, and taking from his person, and against his will, one watch, value 7l.; three seals, value 3l., and one key, value 7s. , his property.

GEORGE DAVIS < no role > . On the 26th of May, a little after twelve o'clock at night, I was in George-street, Bloomsbury I was going along the street two women were quarrelling, I stopped a moment or two to hear what passed, the prisoner and two other men were standing by, I then went on; the three men followed me very close, I gave way for them to pass me, when the prisoner hustled me off the curb stone, and then knocked my hat off I was rather alarmed - I caught my hat in my hand, while I was catching it one of the men took my watch from me in an instant, I felt it going, they then ran off as fast as possible; I called the watchman, he came up immediately and took the prisoner; the prisoner made a motion with his hand, which made me conclude that he was deaf and dumb. One of the other men, named John Davis < no role > , was taken and convicted last Sessions. I heard by their conversation that the prisoner had been fighting. Davis made some motion to the prisoner, and sparred at him. I am certain the prisoner is the man who knocked my hat off.

JAMES SULLIVAN. I am a watchman. On the 26th of May the prosecutor called watch, I went up, I was only thirty yards off, I saw them together; the prosecutor gave the prisoner into my charge, and we took him to the watch-house.

The prisoner being deaf and dumb, had the evidence communicated to him by an interpreter, and made the following

Defence. I am innocent. I was with a woman, the watchman collared me, and I struck the prosecutor.

JAMES DAVIS < no role > re-examined. I believe a woman was passing at the time, but she was not with the prisoner. I am sure he was one of the party I never lost sight of him.

GUILTY. Aged 25.

Of stealing from the person, but not with force and violence .

Transported for Life .

First Middlesex Jury, before Mr. Baron Graham < no role > .