The Sun. — 1852-08-21 (London, England)

LAMBETH. William Downes, who has been in custody for some weeks on a charge of " sharping" Mr. Thomas Hiller, a greengrocer, residing at 16, Princess-ter• ' race, Caledonian-road, Islington, out of 101, and also robbing him of 151., was again placed at the bar before the Hon. G. C. Norton. Prom the evidence adduced against the prisoner, it appeared that on Saturday, the '24th of last month, he, accompanied by two of his confederates, entered the prosecutor's shop and asked for some oysters, knowing very well that be did not deal in such an article; and, upon being told the fact, said he would not mind giving .5/. for some, and that he would stand a pound's worth. The prisoner, who shammed drunkenness, began tossing with the others, who seemed sober, for money, but the prosecutor objecting to it and saying he could not allow such a proceeding in his house, all three left, the prisoner neglecting (intentionally, no doubt) to take his cane with him. On the following Monday the prisoner again called, and anxiously inquired if he had been there on Friday or Saturday, saying that he had been to some place where he had left his cane, and he did not mind giving 51. or even 101. for its restoration, as it belonged to his father. He also said he had come up from Reading to receive 2,0001., which his aunt had left him, and that he should stop in town another week, and did not much care if he spent the whole of that money, as he should get seven times that amount when he got back. Just before the prisoner's calling a confederate " dropped in " on the prosecutor, and after asking various questions as to the rent of the houses in the neighbourhood, he inquired if he had got a horse and cart. The prosecutor said he had, and he then asked if he could remove some pictures for him from " round the corner " to Finsbury, and said he should call back in a short time, when he requested that the horse and cart might be ready. While the prisoner was in the shop speaking about the 2,0001. the other man returned, and said he was very sorry that he could not have the things moved on that day, and ultimately a ride to Copenhagenfields, to see a walking-match, was proposed and agreed upon. Before reaching that place they pulled up at two public-houses, and though the prosecutor had not drunk much he became perfectly stupid. After this they drove to several places, and, the third man having disappeared, the prisoner told the prosecutor that he was incapable of taking care of his money, and said be should keep it for him. The prosecutor then gave him some money, which the prisoner said was 151., and having won fro:n him besides 101. at skittles, the prisoner attempted to make his escape, but was secured. When taken to the station and searched, 11 sovereigns and 14s. 6d. in silver were found on him, but no notes. There were also found close to where he stood nine pieces—eight counters resembling soverigns, and one half-sovereign. William Parsons, potman at the Walnut Tree public-house, Latnbetb, said that on the 24th ofJuly the prisoner and prosecutor entered the skittle-ground I belonging to his master, and played at skittles. the first game the prosecutor bet the prisonert five pounds to one, and the prisoner won. In the next game, which was for Si. each, the prosecutor prisoner two chalks out of five, and the gave the latter won of course. Sergeant Combas, 10 L, said he had known the prisoner well for six or seven years, and during the whole of that time he was the ers, constant companion of the members of the swell mob, and the most notorious thieves and skittle sharps. lle had also seen him at various races, and had observed him in the betting. ring at acme of those places, with his betting-book and pencil in hand,offering to lay any amount against the horses entered for the race.— (Laughter.) Combes mentioned the names of several of the thieves and bad characters in whose company he had observed the prisoner, and amongst them was the murderer of Mr. Bellchambers in Westminster.  The prisoner, who declined offering anythiog defence, was fully committed to take his trial at the Old Bailey, on the double charge of conspiracy to .defraud and also robbing the prosecutor of li/.; but, it being expected that other charges will be brougbt against him, he was ordered to be brought up on allother day.  ---