Strange Theft by Heartless Daughter

April 1878

Sheffield Telegraph 5th April 1878

A Heartless Daughter.

At the West Riding Police Court on Wednesday, George Wood and Ellen Booth, two young people, were charged with stealing £9.10 shillings, a muffler, and a shawl, the property of Booth´s father.

The two prisoners were tried at the Sheffield sessions in August last for burglary at Conisbrough (where they reside), and Booth, was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, Wood being acquitted. Booth came out of prison last February, and on the evening of 27 March she was seen by her sister with Wood, near her father’s house. She asked the sister for something to eat, and the sister fetched some bread and meat, which, however, she gave to Wood. Booth then asked and was allowed to go in her father’s house.

The inmates retired to rest about nine o’clock, but the next morning it was found that Booth was missing, and also the money and articles Booth was now charged with stealing. Booth must have left her father’s house soon after going to bed, as at 10 o’clock the same night she was seen with Wood in Conisbrough. Next day they went to a person´s name Wood, living at Swinton bridge, and here Booth paid for some beer. They then appear to have made their way to Doncaster, and on Sunday morning, were arrested at the plough Inn. All the money was gone. Both prisoners were committed for trial. During the hearing Booth behaved in a most violent manner

Mexborough Times, April 14th, 1878

Strange Theft from Conisboro´.

Charles Ward, glassblower, and Ellen Booth. The young girl described as married, were indicted for having stolen the sum of £9.10 shillings, a shawl, and a muffler from the dwelling house of John Booth, of Conisboro´.

Mr Shirley prosecuted.

On the 23rd March the female prisoner left her father’s house taking the money and articles with her. She met Ward by appointment, and the two went about as man and wife, Booth spending the money in an extravagant manner.

Guilty: Ward 12 months imprisonment; Booth 11 months imprisonment.

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