The Sun.
London, England, 1855-12-04 00:00:00

SURREY SESSIONS.—(This Day.)

(Before Thomas Puckte and a Bench of Magistrates.)
IMPUDENT ROBBERY AT A LINENDRAPER'S.—Joseph,
Slack, 13, described on the charge sheet as a slater's
labourer, was indicted for stealing 27 yards of flannel,
the property of John Noakes, linendraper, Kennington•
cross.

Mr. Samuel Waite, a mason, residing in Marlborough-
place, Kennington cross, stated that on the afternoon
of the 25th ult. he was standing at his door, when he
saw the prisoner deliberately walk into the lobby and
seize up a roll of flannel, which he ran off with. Wit-
ness pursued him, and, after a smart chase, secured him,
and banded him over to the custody of a constable.

The police-constable said he was on duty in the Lower
Kennington-road on the afternoon in question, when he
heard cries of " Stop thief," and "Police" proceed from
the Triangle. Witness went there and saw the prisoner
struggling with Mr. Waite, who said that he had stolen
a roll of flannel from Mr. Noakes's shop. Witness then
took him into custody.
The jary, without the least hesitation, returned a ver-
dict of guilty.
The Chairman asked what was known of the prisoner.
Sergeant Romaine, 14 L, said that he bad known the
prisoner as a thief for ten years. At the December
sessions last year he was tried and sentenced to six
months' hard labour at Wandsworth for a similar rob-
bery. He was connected also with a gang of notorious
thieves.

The Chairman said that the court must pass a heavy
sentence on such a dangerous person as the prisoner.
He sentenced him to six years' penal servitude.

John Jones, 28, collier, was indicted for stealing at
Weybridge, a coat, the property of Joseph Purnell.
Verdict, guility. Sentence, two months at Wandsworth.

POLICE INTELLIGENCE.--(This Day.)

THE SUICIDE MANlA.—Elizabeth Parsons, a young
married woman, who appeared in a state of very great
exhaustion and debility, and with a face as pale as a
spectre, was brought before Mr. Yardley, charged with
attempting to commit self-destruction.

Thomas Allwood, a police-constable, No. 422 K,
stated tivit on Friday last he saw the prisoner lying on
tho 'toot-path, in the Mile-end.roal, 'surrounded by a
mob of persons, who said she bad taken poison. The poor
creature was, moaning, and in great pain, arid he loet no
time in conveying her to the Loudon hospital, where
she had ever since remained.

Mr. John Porter, acting resident medical officer of
the London Hospital, said the prisoner was brought
there on Friday last. Some medicine, and an antidote,
was administered to her, which dislodged the contents
of her stomach, and she had since been under me lical
treatment. She appeared to have something which
pressed more heavily on her mind than her 'body, and
was in. a very depressed state.
Mr. Yardley—Were the contents of her stomach
analysed
Mr. Porter—No, sir. I wish it to t, . rso.noty known
that people who attempt to commit suicide are amenable
to the law. People are being continually brought to
the hospital labouring under the effects of poison.
Mr. Yardley said there was no direct proof that the
young woman had taken poison, and for the want of proof
he could not commit her for trial. Besides she appeared
tohave suffered much already, and as her husband was pre-
sent and would take her home he would discharge her.
He was sorry the suicide mania among women was so
prevalent. Females of another class were almost daily
brought before him, charged with attempting to drown
themselves in the London Dock, while they were
labouring under excitement or intoxication, and it was a
dreadful state of things. Self-murder was a felony;
and to attempt to commit a felony was a misdemeanour,
punishable by fine or imprisonment, or both. Ile had
frequently explained what the law was to unfortunate
creatures brought befare him. I❑ this caie he would
permit the husband of the prisoner to take her home,
and he hoped her narrow escape would be a warning
to her.