The Sun.
London, England, 1827-02-16 00:00:00

OLD BAILEY 'SESSIONS-(THIS DAY.)

OLD COURT.

DARING STA EST•ROBBR RT.—John Davies, aged 6, was
indicted for assaulting Richard Townsend, a youth, and robbing
him of his watch, chain, &c.
The prosecutor stated that he was► in a mercantile house as a
clerk, and that as he was passing. through Golden-lane, coming
from the coach office, Lad•lane, on the 12th of this month, .a
man seized him by the arms, and at the same moment a boy
snatched at his watch; and succeeded in getting the chain and
seals, with which he ran off. The prosecutor followed him with
several other persons, and saw him run into a court, when a man
asked him if he was sure he had his watch safe. He immediately
looked to his fob, and was again as quickly seized by the arms,
and his watch drawn by the guard from his pocket. Could not
swear to the man who took it, but was certain that the prisoner
was iu the court and ran off upon the prosecutor's giving the
alarm. The latter pursued him and called "stop thief —the
prisoner fell, and before he was secured another man came to him
and on receiving something from him, ran off. The prosecutor
never lost sight of him.
Several other witnesses confirmed this statement.

The prisoner, in defence, said, that he saw thiboy (prosecu-
tor) down, and went to assist him. Nothing was found on hiro.
The jury, without hesitation, pronounced the prisoner assikk.
The Learned JUDGE desired him, Vile should see any of his ac-
complices, to inform them that this species of crime would always
be punished in the most severe manner.
Charles Seward was arraigned for returning from transporta-
tion. The prisoner pleaded guilty, and though the Learned Ser-
geant told him the certain consequence, he still persisted in his
plea, which was accordingly recorded.
The prisoner had been found guilty on a capital charge, and
was left for execution, but. his sentence was afterwards mercifully
commuted to transportation.
This present offence again subjects him to the highest punish-
ment which our law inflicts, and no doubt sentence of death will
be passed on him at the conclusion of the Sessions.

MANSLAUGHTER. Thomas Johnson, a master sweep, was
indicted for the manslaughter of Thomas Long, his apprentice.
The Jury found a verdict of acquittal.
NEW COURT.

George Cleeves was indicted for stealing, and Joseph "Morris
for receiving,.a quantity of silk shawls, value 48/. the pioperty of
Mr. Haynes, of Lawrence-lane. It appeared by the evidence that
'the prisoner Cleeves was iu the employ of the prOseCntor,
'as a weaver; and after making some inquiries as to the mode
in which the goods arrived in town from the manefectory
in the country, applied, on the arrival of the next parcel,
at the George and Blue Boar, in Holborn, anti obtained
it in the name of Mr. Haynes. The clerk of the booking-06w
swore to the prisoner as being the person who applied for it, whisk
fact was confirmed by other witnesses. The prisoner endeavoured,
by calling his mother-in7lavr ud another witness, to preys *a
alibi ; his friend, however, swore, that though he had known
him intimately for five years, he had never before been to his
house until the morning in question, when he swore that he was
at home in his company during the time the parcel was
itated to have been obtained from the Inn. With regard to
Morrie, the property had been traced to his possession, and when
accused, he denied having received it.
A great number of witnesses gave him an excellent character
for, the last twelve years. •
The Jury returned a verdict of " Guilty " against both the
prisoners. • _ _ _

- The prosecutor, Mr. Haynes, recommended the prisoner to
mercy, on account of his previous good character and it* being
the first offence.

OXFORD PROFESSORS-

On Thursday,' at three o'clock, the Trustees under the will of
Sir H. Saville assembled at the Committee-room, adjoining the
flume of Lords,' his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury in the
Chair, and proceeded to the election of a Professor of Astronomy
in the University of Oxford, in the room, of Dr. Robertson, lately
deceased ; when Stephen Peter Rigaud, Esq. M.A. P.R. S. Say.
Prof. Geom. was appointed; no other candidate appearing.
They then proceeded to appoint a Professor of Geometry, in.the
room of S. P. Rigaud, Esq.; the only candidates wets—J. A.
Ogle, Esq. M.D. F.R.S. of Trinity College, and the, Rev. Baden
Powell, M.A. F.R.S. of Oriel. Tl.e latter Gentleman watt
elected.