Alleged Theft of a Purse

Agnes Hawkey, married woman, Sheffield, was charged with stealing a purse containing 32s. from the person of Samuel Colbeck, labourer, of Conisboro’, on the 12th ult.

Complainant stated that on the day named he visited the Castle Inn and saw the prisoner there. He went outside where a young man asked him to lend him 2s. The prisoner followed, and said, “Old chappie, how do you feel.” She then stroked his face with her hand, put her hand into his pocket, and took the purse. She then went back to the young man who accompanied her, and complainant reported the matter to the police.

Mr. C. Ledger, manager at the Conisboro’ Gas Works, stated that on Saturday, the 12th inst., he went into the Castle Inn, where he saw the prisoner. A short time after he saw “old Jerry Colbeck” and the prisoner together against the gas works, and subsequently he saw the prisoner and a young man together. The young man gave him some “sauce” and he gave him a horsewhipping.

Harriet Needham, wife of John Needham, sicklesmith, Conisboro’, and Police-constable Exton also gave evidence. The latter stated that he apprehended the prisoner and charged her with the offence. She replied “I know nothing about it.”

Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was committed for trial at the Assizes.