The Express.
London, England, 1862-10-27 00:00:00

WESTMINSTER.

Elizabeth Ward, a woman about 40 years of age, was
pieced at the bar, charged with stealing a coat from the
shop of Mr. Thomas Harris, clothier, living at 22, Grosvenor-
place, Pimlico.
E. Harris, assistant to the prosecutor, said that at about 9
o'clock the previous evening a coat was stolen from the shop.
It was banging upon a rack outside the window, exposed
there for sale. A gentleman came in and told witness that
the prisoner bad taken the coat, and he went round thecorner
in the direction pointed out, and there saw the accused.
On stopping her he found the coat concealed under her
shawl.

Mr. Paynter inquired whether the prisoner said anything
when the cost was discovered?

Witness replied that she did not say anything more than
ask him not to prosecute her.
Patrick Sullivan, 294 B, said the prisoner was given into
his custody, and the property handed to him by the prose-
cutor's brother. The accused did not say anything.
Mr. Pa rater asked her whether she had anything to my
in her defence ?
Prisoner replied—Nothing.
Mr. Payoter committed her for trial, and said that he
should not allow any expenses for the attendance of the
witness Harris at the sessions to prosecute this complaint.
If tradesmen would expose goods in this way, they must
take the consequences.
SOUTHWARK.

John Bruce, a middle-aged man, was brought before Mr.
Burcham, charged with defrauding Lomas Eugene Lane of
101. by skittle 'harping.
When the case was called on, the prosecutor did not make
his appearance ; but l'ulice-constable 302 A said that the
previous night he was on duty in Kiegagate-street, Holborn,
when he was called in by a gentleman, who pointed out the
prisoner, and said that he had swindled him out of lat. in
June last. Witness asked him in what manner, when he
(the prosecutor) replied that, in the middle of the month of
July last be saw the prisoner near London-bridge, and got
into conversation with him. They afterwards adjourned to
the Flying Horse beer-shop, when a game of skittles was
suggested. Witness asked him if he played with the prisoner.
He replied that he did not, but he put • 101. note down as •
bet, and the prisoner called out that be had won it, and
snatching it up bolted out of the house. The prose-
cutor further told him that he went in pursuit of him, but
he escaped. lie saw no More of him until Friday evening,
when he happened to call on a friend in a coffee-house in
Kingsgateetreet, Holborn. Singular to relate, about half
an hour afterward. the prisoner came in, and sat down at
the same table, and suggested • game of cards. The pro-
secutor at once recognised him, sod said he bad to objection,
but he must retire for • few moments. He accordingly
came out of the house, and called in witness. As soon as
he entered, the prisoner begged bard to be allowed to go,
and passed something to the prosecutor, which turned oat
to be a Si. note and three sovereigns. Wi.ness took him
into custody, but be was satisfied the gentleman did not
intend to come forward and prosecute.
Mr. Edwin, on the part of the scowled, urged his worship
to discharge his client, as there was nothing to show that
any fraud had been committed.
Mr. Burcham observed that as there was no prosecutor
the prisoner must be discharged.