Star.
London, England, 1829-12-05 00:00:00

OLD BAILEY SESSIONS—Friday.

Catherixo ltios, aged 16, was indicted for stealing from her
master, Mr. John Bailey, a purse containing .C 42 10s. his monies.
The prisoner had only been in the service of the prosecutor five
days when she robbery was committed, immediately after which
she absconded, and was taken into custody at Bristol. In her de-
fence she pleaded hard for the Court to have mercy upon her, but
did not deny the robbery.—Coilty.
The prosecutor applied for his expenses.
Mr. Sergeant ARAIIII inquired whether be received a character
with the prisoner? Mr. Bailey said, before he took her into his
service he heard that she had been taken up on some charge, but
as nothing had been proved against her, he thought there might be
no foundation for it.
Mr. Sergeant ARAM. after some minutes' consultation writs the
Judges, said the Court would allow the expenses.
Williams Puttock, aged 24, and Benjaasin M'Adaas, aged 21,
were capitally indicted for assaulting Pierre Francis Simeon Des-
pre+, and stealing from his person a gold watch and other articles,
value al2O his property.
Mr. Putwes, Counsel for the prisoners, requested that all
the witnesses might be ordered out of Court, which was accord-

ingly done.
The prosecutor then stated (through the medium of an interpre-
ter) that he was a native of France, but had resided in England
nearly four years. On the 9th November, be dined at Merchant
Tailors' Hall, and was returning home between twelve and one
o'clock, in company with several friend+. On arriving near the
Bank of England, he stopped for a time to talk with a gentleman
named Pope, on the very pleasant and agreeable evening they had'
passed,
Mr. Justice Luvrancaus—Were you quite sober, sir?
Mr. Despres—Why, it is generally the case that when one dines
out we are rather more gay after dinner than when we are at
home.(A laugh.)
Examination continued—Whilst conversing pleasantly with Mr.
Pope, witness saw a man assault a Gentleman named Loveday,
a friend of his, and he made up to his assistance, when he was int.
mediately knocked down, and at the same moment be felt a snatch
at his watch-chain. He struggled fur some time with the man,
during which another person came up and struck him a violent
blow, which for a length of time rendered him quite in-ensible.
On recovering his senses in the watch-house, to which he had been
carried, he discovered that he had been robbed of his watch, snuff.
box, and other articles.
Cross-examined by Mr. Pursues—Was quite sober when he left
the Hall.
Mr. Piuurs--Wltat after dining at a City feast! Why,
Sir, upon your oath, heir many different kinds of wine did you
drink?—Witness—Only two—port and 'berry, and punch made
with wine and water.—(A laugh )—Prosecutor believed Puttock
was the man who seised hold of his watch-chain, but could not po-
stively swear to his identity, the night being very dark.
Mr. Loveday was the next witness called. Upon the officer
handing the book tb him, be asked his Lordship if (as be was an
unwilling witness) it was absolutely necessary that he should take
the oath.
Mr. Jestice Lrrthenaut—Certainly It is ; what Is your objection
to the oath?
Mr. Loveday—L am rather particular in my principles. The
words of the oath are that I must swear the truth, the whole truth,
and nothing but the truth. Now, I consider it almost impossible
that a man can tell the whole truth, and yesterday in this Court I
perceived the difficulty many of the witnesses had in this respect,
and therefore, my Lord, with your permission, I would rather not
be sworn. I have no objection to state to the best of my belief.
Mr. Justice Larrtuat.a—That is all that you are required to do,
and as a professional man I am surprised to bear you make such
an objection.
Mr. Loveday—l am sot a professional man, but I have a great
regard for truth, and it has many times grieved me to hear perilous
take an oath that It is impossible they can keep. It's dreadful.—
After some further conversation, the witness consented to take
the usual oath, and in the most minute and precise manner de-
scribed the nature of the robbery. He stated that he bad also
been at Merchant Tailors Hall, and was rather merry with wine.
After he bad been assaulted in the manner described by the last
witness, he was taken to the watch-house • on arriving there he
inquired of the Judge or President of the Court," whether he
was to be the complainant or defendant, and whether he was to
consider himself a prisoner? The " Judge" replied, " Oh, yr
will let you know before long."—(A laugh.) Define, however,
he obtained a satisfactory answer, the prosecutor was brought
into the watch-house or" Court," bleeding, and almost lifeless. Wit.
nest being a surgeon, dressed the wound on the prosecutor's head.
The prisoners were in the watch-house at the timethe Judge or
President asked him if be knew the prosecutor, whickhe answered
in the affirmative. When the prosecutor :veneered.. his. sensed he
put his hand in his pocket and said. " I have lost my box ; there
is about sixty guineas gone, but let that pass." lie afterwardstdo-
clued that he would not have lost the box for 810 guineas, lusd
appeared ouch affected.- The Imams afterwards produced by a
person present. who said he.foung it iodic watch louse. Witness
belleied Puttock was the malt who assaulted him. 1 -
A watchman, who took the prisoners into custody, stated that
he saw the prim:mei Al'Adaus utikr the tworseirsein.. The watch
haawot been found.
Mr. Justice Ltrrumats recapitulated the evidence, and the Jury
returned a verdict acquitting both the prisoners.