The Sun. — 1859-02-11 (London, England)

DARING GAROTTE ROBBERY.  Very. great excitement has prevailed in West Bromwich and the vicinity from the fact that in broad daylight on Saturday afternoon last a person holding a responsible situation under the Messrs. Dawes, of Bromford Works, was waylaid, garotted and robbed of cash belonging to his employers to the amount of £lOl 6s. 6d. From the inquiries we have made we are enabled to furnish the following particulars :—On the day referred to, as early as half-past four, a man named Noah Timmins, who is a timekeeper at a stone-pit at Friar-park' in the parish of West Bromwich, belonging to the Messrs. Dawes, left the pit to go to the works of the firm at Bromford. Here Timmins had to receive the cash necessary to pay the hands employed at the stone-pit. Accordingly the sum of £lOl 6s. 6d. was handed over to him, and, as is usual, the money was put into a bag, which the timekeeper placed in his pocket. He then started on his return, and when in Crank-hill-lane, a rather lonely place, within a quarter of a mile of the stone-pit, he was met by three men, who suddenly, and without speaking a word, attacked him in a body. One of the ruffians seized hold of his throat, the second attempted to blindfold him, while the third put his hand into his pocket and laid hold of the bag containing the cash. Timmins was then thrown violently on the ground, and, perceiving the determination of his assailants to rob him, he resisted with all his strength for a few minutes. It was, indeed, but for a short time that he could do this, for, not content with what they had already done, they beat and kicked him on the head and face, and knelt upon his body. Such was the nature of the assault that Timmins could not call out, nor was he able, though the men's faces were exposed, to notice their features minutely, or see what clothes they wore. Leaving their victim for a few moments insensible, they, having secured the money bag, ran off along the canal side towards Wednesbury and Hill Top. When the poor timekeeper was able to get upon his legs he pursued the runaways, calling out "Murder !" as well as he was able ; but, although several persons were about the canal and towing-path, not the least effort was made to arrest the progress of the thieves, and they got clear off. They were met immediately afterwards by a person who heard the cry of " Murder !".and he asked the three men what was the matter, to which one replied that he had given a man a " smack in the chaps," and that was what he " holler'd" for. Timmins traced the thieves in the direction of Hill Top, and, seeing a ploughman in a field engaged at work, he induced him to lend him one of the horses, which he forthwith mounted, and seemed likely to come up with the miscreants. Unfortunately, the horse, which doubtless had already done a hard day's work, fell, and could not be got to go afterwards at a quick pace. Thus the poor fellow was obliged to abandon the pursuit, and the only course left him was to procure the assistance of the police. Major M‘Knight, deputy chief constable, placed the matter in the hands of Inspectors Dew, Blayney, and Holland, and Sergeant M'Crea. These officers started off at once in various directions, working up to 10 o'clock on Sunday night, but without success. We are sorry to add that up to 4 o'clock on Tuesday the same result attended the efforts of these officers. As to Timmins, we learn that one of his eyes is blackened, his head cut and bruised, and he has a spitting of blood. He is a steady man, of good character, and respected by his employers. A reward of £25 is offered for the apprehension of the perpetrators of this daring and brutal outrage. The money stolen consisted of 84 sovereigns, 14 half sovereigns, £lO in two packets of silver, and 6s. 6d. in loose silver and copper money.—Birmingham Post.  The Madrid journals of ,the 6th, as frequently happens on a Sunday, contain no political news, The Gazette contains five decrees which nominate civil governors of provinces.