1853 – Theft by 15 year old – 4 months Hard Labour

1853

1853, 21st May, Sheffield Independent

Mary Roebuck (15) was indicted for stealing £133 in gold and silver, belonging to George Walker of Conisbrough, farmer and Tanner, in who service she was at the time . Mr Blanshard was for the prosecution.

Mr Walker, on 12 April, had in a writing desk in his sitting room upwards of £250 in notes, gold, silver, promissory notes, and bills of exchange. On the following morning, he found the desk had been opened, and from the pocketbook £130 in notes and three pounds in gold had been stolen. The promissory notes and bills of exchange, with the silver and some following coins, were left undisturbed.

He sent information to Mr D. Astwood, Superintendent Constable, who came over. Astwood was satisfied that the robbery had been committed by some person living in the house. He searched the prisoner’s box and there found a key that fitted the lock of the desk. The prisoner was then taken into custody, and whilst in prison, she admitted having stolen the money.

She took Mr Astwood to the house of a mother, at Denaby, and pointed out a hole in an out house adjoining, in which the missing £133 was found.

The prisoner said, in her defence that she took the money without knowing what she was going to do with it There had been a gypsy woman at her two or three times, who told her to put some eggs and sold under her pillow, and after doing that she would be much better off.

A person named Lockwood, residing at Mexborough was called, and gave the prisoner a good character. The jury recommended her to mercy, on account of her age.

Four months hard labour

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