The Sun.
London, England, 1827-05-21 00:00:00

POLICE INTELLIGENCE.

GUILDHALL.—A master butcher in Fleet-market, •f
the name of Weaver, appeared before Mr. Alderman ANs-
LEY, on Saturday, upon a summons, to answer the com-
plaint of Mr. Wall, a respectable inhabitant of Fetter-lane.

The complainant stated that •he was passing along the
side of Fleet-market, on Thursday afternoon, accompanied
by his lady, when he met the defendant, coming in a con-
trary direction in a state of drunkenness, and as he passed
them he committed an indecent assault upon the lady.
The complainant remonstrated, but to little purpose, as
the defendant immediately repeated his brutal conduct.
Witness again complained, and received a severe blow front
the defendant in return, upon which he seized him, and
ascertained who he was.

Mr. Weaver, in reply, said he was ready to apologize to
the gentleman now, and was really sorry for his ill-beha-
viour.

The complainant would be contented with the apology,
if Mr. Weaver would give 2/. to the Tilendicity Society in
Ireland.

The Alderman remarked, that it was customary to send
such donations to the school of the parish or ward where
the offence is committed.
The defendant demurred a little to the amount of the
smart money demanded ; but the Alderman hinting, that
he felt a strong inclination to send him to the Sessions,
where he would probably be sentenced to three months'
imprisonment, Mr. Weaver produced the cash, which the
complainant requested to be applied in the manner recom-
mended by the Magistrate.

BOW-STREET.—OnSaturday, a young man about
five-and-twenty, of &is. complexion, and extensive whiskers,
whose phisioguomy and the few garments in which he was
clad gave positive evidence of his respectability, but who
entered the office divested of hat, cravat, waistcoat, stock-
ing, and shoes, having on only a red morocco slipper on
his right foot, was brought up by the night•constable of
the watch-house in Covent-garden, for having attempted
self-destruction on the previous night.
The constable informed the Magistrates, Sir R. BIRNIE
and C. R. MINSHULL, Esq., that at a late hour on Friday
night, a person breathless from haste, cause running into
the watch-house, saying that the presence of a constable
was required in a house in Covent-garden, in ivisich a
young gentleman, a lodger, had endeavoured, in a moment
of mental aberration, to commit suicide. The constable at
once proceeded to York-street, as he had been directed,
and there found the young person before their Worships,
who manifested so many symptoms of insanity, that he
thought it expedient for his preservation, to take him to
the watch-house, in order that a strict eye might be kept
upon him. He was, however, provided with every ac-
commodation.

The Magistrates inquired of the unhappy young man
(who seemed very deeply to feel the unpleasantness of his
Situation, and wept bitterly) what he was ? He replied, a
musician, but at present out of a situation.
A gentleman who at this instant entered the office, here
addressed the Magistrates, saving that the account which
the prisoner had just given of 'himself was not literally cor-
rect. He certainly was musical, but not a professor. In
truth, he was in the employment of the witness, and had
been for some time past engaged in making surveys of dif-
ferent places in England, for a work about to be published
by Longman and Co., and this (handing a paper to Sir R.
Birnie) is the prospectus. lam sorry, however, to be
obliged to mention the matter thus publicly.
Sir lIICLIARD BIRNIE (who had read the prospectus)—
Why so ? By it you have got me a subscriber. There is
one thing which places the work in a favourable light—
no money is required of subscribers until it shall be com-
pleted.
The witness thanked Sir Richard, and continued. He
called at the young man's lodgings about ten o'clock on Fri-
day night, and, "imagine my horror" (said he) " when,
upon opening the door of the room he occupied, I saw a man
hanging suspended by a neckerchief from the tester of the
bed, to all appearance lifeless." As soon as the witness had
recovered the shock which this terrible spectacle occasioned
he procured assistance, and had the body taken down and
laid on the bed, when, to his great Joy and satisfaction, he
perceived indications of returning animation. Restoratives
were instantly applied, and the young man speedily reco-
vered; but his manner became so wild, and his conduct so
furious, that he, the witness, found it necessary to send
for the constable, and have him taken to the watch-house
for safety.
Mr. MINSHULL-Has he any friends ?
The witness said he had, but that they resided in Scot-
land. He believed also that it was some difference that
existed between him and his father respecting an attach-
ment that led to the rash act. The witness knew him for
some years, and, except that he was passionate, could:.say
that his conduct was unexceptionable. • • - ';'.
The young man gave the most positive assurapcesila4 he
would in future pray to God to preserve him from the Com-
mission of an act so truly horrible. His' shoes, &c. were
brought to him from his lodgings, and after having put
them on, he left the office, accompanied by his friend.
HATTON-GARDEN.—Saturday Mr. J. Pratt, flour-
merchant, Wapping, appeared before the sitting Magistrate
on behalf of one of his waggoners, to answer the complaint
of E. Ramsdale, a toll-renter, for having refused to weigh
his load at a machine attached to Islington-gate, the vehicle
having approached within 100 yards, as specified in an Act
of Parliament made and provided on that behalf.

Complainant observed, that in order to leave the carman

without a shadow of oceuse, he read over to hint at the
time from a board attached to the machine, the clause in
question.
Mr. -Pratt, Who intimated that he had sent many a heavy
load to the same spot without being required to weigh,
deemed it important that persons similarly situated with
himself should be explicitly informed, whether, when they
had to unload within 100 yards of the machine, as in the
present case, they were bound to weigh, according to the
spirit and scope of the Act.
The Magistrate (Mr. Rocaas), who, after a careful
perusal of the clause in dispute, pronounced it perfectly ex-
plicit, decided in favour of the complainant, and fined de-
fendant in the mitigated penalty of 10s. and costs, the full
amount being 51.
A young man of genteel exterior, named James Beck,
in the service of Messrs. Hicks and Dean, 5, Gray's-inn-
square, was charged by his employers with making false and
exaggerated returns of monies paid by him to various pub-
lic journals for advertisements, &c., and with appropriating
the overplus to his own use. Only three out of a great
number of cases having been as yet fully established, the
prisoner was remanded for one week.
MARYLEBONE OFFICE.—On Saturday a grey-
headed old man, named Arundale, was charged with hav-
ing assaulted a female child.
Jane Home, of No. 39, Praed-street, Paddington (not
seven years old) stated, that on Friday, the 11th instant,
the defendant took improper liberties with her person (of
which she gave a detail) in the passage of her father's
house, and that lie was interrupted by Mrs. Frost, the
wife of a Life Guardsman, who lodges there ; for the door
of Mrs. Frost's apartment was heard to open, and the de-
fendant abandoned his intention, but not in time to avoid
her notice.

Mr. RANVIINSON held him to bail in 50/., and two
sureties (who were in attendance for that purpose) in 251.
each.

Mrs. Frost is said to be in the country, but her evidence
will be required at a future occasion.
WORSHIP-STREET.—Isaae Johnson, a young man,
was brought up for re-examination before Mr. Buoy GILT° N,
charged with horse-stealing.
The animal was identified and the prisoner was fully
committed for trial.

Another charge was next stated against him of stealing
a horse from Mr. Stovell, a butcher, whose stable was
broken open on the night of the 22d of April.
_ _

Mr. Stovell described the horse as a ,brown animal with
a white star in the forehead, white spot on the chest, white
legs, &c:
The horse has not yet been found ; and in order to give
time for further inquiry, the Magistrate again remanded the
prisoner.

Charles Randall was brought before Mr. BROUGHTON,
charged with robbing his employer, Mr. Solomon Joseph,
of No. 17, King-street, Tower-hill, a barber and musician.

Mr. Joseph stated that the prisoner had been in his em-
ployment, only two weeks, and on that morning he left the
prioner in care of his shop, and went to his private houselin
East Smithfield, for the purpose of celebrating the Jewish
Sabbath. On his return, a little after 11 o'clock, he found
the shop nearly filled with customers, and that the prisoner
had decamped, taking with him three violins, a case, two
bows, two music books, two valuable tortoiseshell combs,
and a gentleman's dress wig.
Mr. BROUCIITON—I thought you stated yourself to be
a barber. How came you to have so many violins?
Mr. Joseph—l am a barber and a dealer in music.
Richard Manning, an officer of Shoreditch, said he took
the prisoner into custody, and on searching him lie found a
sovereign and a half in gold, and 111td. in copper, and in
his hat he had a wig and two combs.
Mr. Joseph identified the wig and combs as his property,
and begged time, for the purpose of looking after the fiddles.
The Magistrate granted the request, and remanded the
prisoner.

LAMBETH-STREET.—On Saturday night, about 10
o'clock, Sheen, the murderer, was brought into the office
in custody of Davis, and placed at the bar before Mathew
Wyatt, Esq., on the verdict returned against him on the
Coroner's Inquisition of Wilful Murder perpetrated on the
body of his infant son., Immediately after the hour of post
on the morning of the same day, two communications were
received from Davis, dated- from Kington, or Kinton, in
Herefordshire—the one stating the previous steps he had
taken to secure the prisoner—and the other announcing his
capture, and that he would arrive in town with him on
that night.

Though to prevent confusion the intelligence was kept as
close as possible, the fact in some• way got publicity, and
spread like wildfire, net alone through the eastern, bat
western extremities of the metropolis. From half-past
four the crowds began to congregate, and at seven o'clock
the streets in the neighbourhood presented a dense and al-
most impenetrable mass of human beings, packed so closely,
that it was with some difficulty we were able to obtain an
entrance.

Eight wag the hour at which it was expected the culprit
would arrive, and up to that time the patience of the mul-
titude subdued itself, as much as might be calculated on,
but when that period had elapsed, the most feverish anxiety
was manifested, which kept on the increase until 10 o'clock.
The most absurd reports and rumours, in the meantime,
obtained ready credence, when the shouts, cheers, and
mingled execrations of the mob announced to those in the
justice-room that the barbarian had been taken, and out-
raged humanity so far avenged.—The prisoner was con-
veyed, manacled, in a carriage from the Bolt-in-Tun, and
was immediately brought before the Magistrate. He is, in
appearance, about 23 years of age, fair complexion, and ex-
hibits any thing but that ferocious expression of countenance
which would indicate the murderer. His manner during
the examination was quite self-possessed, and the only de-
gree of agitation that we could perceive, was a slight mus-
cular convulsion about the jaw-bones.
The clothing in which he was apprehended was the same
in which he mails his escape ; and even when secured the,
identical plush waistcoat, a description of which was so
widely circulated, was on his person.
All the Parochial Authorities, Overseers, Churchwar-
dens, &c. were in attendance, and expressed their approval
of the zeal and perseverance of Davis, the officer, which had
led to the apprehension of so atrocious an offender. The
examination was brief, and was as follows:
Mr. Wyara—Davis, whom have you got in custody ?
Davis William Sheen.

-......-...
Mr. WvATT—Charged on the Coroner's Inquest with
wilful murder;? Davis—Yes, Sir.
Mr. Wyarr—Do you know him personally, and of your
own knowledge ? Davis—l do, Sir.
Mr. WYATT-Where did you apprehend him ? Davis—
At a village in Radnorshire, about two miles from Penny
Boot. _

Mr. WYATT—He has been in your custody ever since ?
Davis—He has not left my sight, except when I lodged
him for security, -on Friday night, in Birmingham gaol.
Mr.. WYATT—Did you find any knife or razor on him?
Davis—None, Sir. _ _ _

Mr. WYArr—The prisoner's identity is established—
that is now all that is necessary; let him be immediately
taken to Newgate. He was at once removed from the bar,
and after refreshing himself in the lock-up room, was
placed in a coach, which was in waiting for the purpose,
and conveyed, under the surveillance of two officers, to
the Old Bailey, followed by the execrations of a most
indignant multitude, a number of whom flanked the
vehicle. When the office was cleared, Davis wail called
in by Mr. Wyatt, who, conjointly with Mr. Hardwick,
has left nothing undone to bring the. prisoner to justice,
and gave the following interesting narrative of his excur-
sions, and the means he had pursued to accomplish his
object.
Davis—l left town last Friday night week by the Bir-
mingham coach, understanding that the prisoner had gone
in that direction. While on my way thither, at about a
mile beyond Stratford-on-Avon, a person got on the coach
having the appearance of a discharged soldier, who, in
course of conversation, told me he had exchanged a hat on
that morning with a man who said he was going to Bir-
mingham, whom, from the description he gave me of his
clothing, I believed to be Sheen. On my arrival at Bir-
mingham on Saturday, about four o'clock, I without delay
commenced a most diligent search, which 17 continued but
without success until half-past twelve; I resumed it on
Sunday, and found the person spoken of about two o'clock,
in the Lamb public-house, in Edgeston-street ; he how-
ever proved not to be the man I wanted. On Monday
morning I proceeded through 'Worcester to Kington,
Herefordshire, having reason, from the information I had
received, to believe that the prison had taken that direc-
tion. From circumstances that occurred, it struck me
that I was in advance of him, and, under this impression,
I waited on the bridge at the entrance of the town for five
hears., -While there considering the best plan I should
441, I came to the conclusion of going to the remotest
*inn in the town, to evade publicity, and conceal the object
of my journey. While remaining in the town I deemed it
prudent to communicate with one of the Country Ma-
gistrates, and inform him who I was, and what I
came down about. I in consequence called on Edward
Cheese, Esq., a Magistrate and Banker, residing in
Kington, and from him received every assistance in
his power, both personal and otherwise; and, indeed,
said Davis, I myself cannot be too
gratefulyuor Worship,
tcil im for his attention ; and the public, I think,
are indebted to him for the great exertions he has made on
this occasion ; from him I received a titrong introductory
letter to Boyan, Esq., the present Itigh Sheriff for

Radnorshire, and front him, also, I met with equal assist.
ante. I still kept myself as secreted as possible, and when-
ever I received a glimpse of information, I, at once was on
the alert. From the number of Sheen's relatives, living in the
neighbourhood, and for twenty miles round Kington, I was
kept constantly on the move, and traversed, and searched
a number of places and houses where I thought it likely
lie might be concealed. While traversing the country, I,
from the fear of being recognised, assumed the dress of a
countryman, and with a smock frock on, I casually went
into a public house, where there were a number ef Cardi-
gan drovers, and here I thought my labours would be unsuc-
cessful, for one of them having read from a London Paper,
an account of the murder, and a description of the murderer,
who was at once known, I concluded that such warning
would be conveyed to him as would defeat my object, par-
ticularly as they were goir.; among all his friends. I
returned on the same night to Kington, and on the follow-
ing day a circumstance occurred, which, your Worship,
is rather curious, and enabled me to secure Sheen. On
the morning of that day, while cleaning myself, I left
my coat (in the side-pocket of which I generally carry
my handcuffs and pistols) in the kitchen, and on my
return was surprised at finding the handcuffs had
been removed and was lying on the seat. This was
accounted for afterwards by its being told me that they had
dropped out ; a circumstance that alarmed me a good deal,
as they had my name on them, and would lead, as I sup-
posed, to the discovery of who I was and what was my
business. I was not much mistaken, for while in my bed-
room the person called on me who picked up the hand-
duffs, and said, " I know who you are and guess what
your business here is—l can give you some information
which I think will be of service." I then collected from
him such facts, and so distinct a trace of Sheen, as in-
duced me to go to Penny Bont, taking with me an active
constable, of Kington, named Yates. On my arrival there
I stopped at the Severn Arms Inn, and in the after part
of the evening a man came in and asked for the London
Paper ; this he read carefully, and when he had concluded,
first looking inquisitively round the room, he then hastily
departed in a very agitated manner. His appearance and
' conduct excited my suspicions, and I inquired from the
landlady who he was, and where he lived. I heard that
his name was James—that he was married to Sheen's aunt,
and that be lived at about two miles' distance from the
village. lat once followed him, and saw him enter a
house, called tho Lane House, in Llanbadenwaur, in Rad-
norshire ; and having ascertained where he resided, return-
ed to the inn, and accompanied by Yates, went back with
the intention of searching the house, but thought it pru-
dent not then to do so, as in the event of his not being
there, he would he put on his guard ; on second conside-
ration I came back again to Yates's house, and having
placed Yates at the rear of the premises, I burst in the door,
first giving Yates directions, should he see any one coming
out answering the description of Sheen, to secure him, and
should he attempt to make his escape, to fire at him with-
out hesitation ; on going in I found several people in
the house, but not the person I wanted, and a
third time returned to my lodgings. In about three hours
afterwards, accompanied as before, and snaking similar ar-
rangements, having received further information, 1 returned
to the same house, and there secured Sheen ; he was sit-
ting at breakfast in the chimney corner, and on examining
his person, I found on him a shirt spotted with blood, par-
ticularly on the neck and right wrist-band. He came with
me very quietly, and when I apprehended him, said, " Oh,
Mr. Davis, is it you ?—I shall go with you without any
resistance." This terminated Davis's account, and to some
questions from the Magistrate, Mr. Wyatt, lie said, that
Sheen had made no confession to him directly, but that he
heard him make one indirectly to the landlady of a public-
house in Radnor, to whom he was known, and who asked
him, " How, in the name of God, came you to do such a
cruel tiling ?" and he replied, " It was not God but the
Devil."

Mr. WYATT expressed himself highly gratified at Davis's
exertions, and said he hoped they would not go unreward-
ed. So pleased are the Parish Officers of Whitechapel at
his conduct, that it is proposed to add to the reward 20/.
QUEEN-SQUARE.—Saturday a man named Huggins
broUght up a young woman, about 18 years of age, in the
family way, charging her, under the Hawkers' and Pedlers'
Act, with selling sundry wares, contrary to the statute,
whereby she was liable to a penalty of 10/.

The -defendant said that her husband was a licensed
hawker, and shewas to meet him at Hammersmith.
Mr. MARRIOTT said, if it was true that the defendant's
husband had a licence, he should not convict her in the
penalty.
. _

Huggins said that it was unlawful for two persons to
hawk with the same licence.

Alr. AfAunzoTr (to the defendant)—Can you bring for-
ward proof that your husband has a licence?

Defendant--Ivan, Sir.
Huggins—l admit, your Worship, that the husband has
a licence.
Mr. MARRIOTT—Then I dismiss the case.

The young woman who trembled all the time, left the
bar in a state of the greatest agitation, and Huggins, dis-
appointed, retired in rather a solitary mood at his unsuc-
cessful attempt to commit a poor girl to prison in default of
paying a heavy penalty. The decision of the Magistrate
gave general satisfaction.