The Sun.
London, England, 1826-12-07 00:00:00

SHEEP-STEALING.

.Rayal Koala and William Keats., two brothers, were
charged with stealing five sheep the property of William Welsh,
value 61., and two sheep, value et, the property of John Lamb.
Raysl Keates, in defence, said, that be found the sheep in the
middle of the road, as he was coming from Windsor, and not
knowing what to do with them, he thought he had better take
them, until they were owned.
Wm. Keats. said that he waited at the Castle public-house, in
Brentford, while his brother went for the thieves. His brother
told him that he was going to take them to Mr. Mills, and that
he was innocent of the charge.
Mr. Justice LITTLEDALE summed up the evidence, end the
Jury, after consulting for a short time, returned a verdict of
Guilly—Death--against both the prisoners.
The Jury begged to recommend William Keaton to mercy, on
the ground of his having acted under the direction of his brother.

NEW COURT..--(Tms DAY.)
(Before Mr. Sergeant Arttattr.)
James Francis Abbott, a respectable appraiser, of Marylebone,
was charged with feloniously stealing, on the 22d of July last, a
carding and spinning machine, and some working teols, to the
value of IV., the property of James Mowbray Warren, ana-
tomical instrument maker, in Augusta-street, Regent-street.
It appeared by the evidence of the prosecutor, that the goods
had been taken away by the prisoner, as a distraint for rent,
at-the suit of the prosecutor's landlord. The witness was going
into a long detail about the illegality of the distraint, when
he was cross-examined by Mr. Charles Phillips, fur the
prisoner. In reply to which, he stated that he bad gone to two
Police Offices, none of the Magistrates of which, however, would
take any notice of the affair. Prosecutor then had the prisoner
taken to the Court of King's Bench. The Judger, however,
stated that there was not the slightest ground for felony, and ad-
mitted the prisoner to bail, telling the prosecutor that he might
proceed hyanother cour►e. He, however, preferred a bill before
the Grand Jury.
Mr. Sergeant ARABI): emits-examined the witness at consi-
derable length. lie admitted that he saw the prisoner take the
goods away in a cart, and knew for what purpose. lie found
out by chance where the goods were sold, and bought in a part of
them.

Mr. PIIILLIP3 stated, that so vindictive was the prosecutor
against Mr. Abbott, that he caused him to be taken out of a sick.
bed, and when admitted to bail by the Judges, the prosecutor in-
sisted en his being sent to the common gaol, instead of the officer's
house.

Mr. Sergeant ARANIN did not call on Mr. Abbott for any de-
fence, and stated, that there was not the slightest evidence of
any felonious action or intention. Mr. Abbott had done eve►y
thing openly and publicly, and the prosecutor knew perfectly
well what he intended do►ng with them. The Jury, therefore,
would, in duty to themselves and the public, discharge Mr.
Abbot.

The Jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty, without a moments'
hesitation, and Mr. Abbot was discharged.
Wm. Bates Wes found guilty of stealing a box, containing
wearing apparel and other articles, the property of a poor soldier
named William Williams, who lodged withilis family in the same
house with the prisoner, who had assisted him in packing, and
taking to the Coach-office the box in question. He was found
Guilty, snd sentenced to seven years transportation.