Henry Abrahams

343

Maureen Withey on 25th August 2021

Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 25 August 2021), September 1813, trial of BARNET LEVY HENRY ABRAHAMS (t18130915-36). BARNET LEVY, HENRY ABRAHAMS, Violent Theft > highway robbery, 15th September 1813. 861. BARNET LEVY and HENRY ABRAHAMS were indicted for feloniously assaulting John Robinson , in the King's highway, on the 3d of September , putting him in fear, and taking from his person and against his will, a watch seal, value 2 l. and a watch-key, value 1 s. his property . JOHN ROBINSON . I was robbed on Monday the 3d of this month, about nine o'clock in the evening. Q. What are you - A. I was a baker formerly; I am in no business now. I am an officer in the court of Requests . I was going home along Brick-lane, Spitalfields ; I live in Booth-street, Spitalfields. I had occasion to turn round Mr. Bullwinkle's shop, and in returning back five or six persons met me round the corner; Barnet Levy caught hold of me by the throat; he hit me by the throat and nearly strangled me; whether it was his elbow or fist I am not able to say; he then caught hold of my watch seal; he took my seal and chain from my watch, and key; he broke the pendant off, and ran away I called stop thief, and ran after him. I ran about one hundred and fifty yards; Abrahams then came and hit me at the back of my neck, and another person struck me against the wall. I was then nearly in the act of taking Levy, with that I stopped. A young man came up, and said, do not pursue them, you will be murdered. I did not see the prisoners after until the Wednesday following; I then saw them at Lambeth-street office; Levy and Abrahams both. I knew both the prisoners before from children. Abrahams' father lived right opposite of me in Houndsditch when I was a baker, and the other I have known for thirteen or fourteen years. I have known Abrahams fifteen years and upwards. SAMUEL MILLER . I am an officer. On the Monday following I apprehended Levy. I know nothing of the transaction. The prisoners called three witnesses, who gave them a good character. COURT. Q. to prosecutor. You have known these two men, what do you say to their character - A. For this last three or four years they have been reputed thieves. MOSES LEVY . I am the father of Barnet Levy; I sell goods about the country. Last Friday fortnight, in the evening, a young man came and said Mr. Johnson had got an execution against me and my house, so that I could not go out of town; that very night I gave my son supper. Barnet Levy, my son, was at my house a quarter after seven; he staid with me until almost ten o'clock. It was last Friday fortnight. COURT. How many are you in family - A. My wife, three sons, and two daughters. Q. Are they grown up - A. There was nobody at home but my wife, me, and him. My family are all grown up. Prosecutor. On Saturday last this witness came into the court of Requests, and desired to speak with Mr. Johnson; he came and said to me, here are two fine gold seals, you will have a gold chain to match it if you will make a flaw in the indictment. I said, I would not do it. Q. to Miller. Look at this paper; do you know the magistrate's hand-writing - A. Yes; that is the writing of Daniel Williams , the magistrate. COURT. "Levy saith, it is of no use to say any thing here. The prisoner, Abrahams, saith, I was not out of my house that night" LEVY, GUILTY - DEATH , aged 21. ABRAHAMS, GUILTY - DEATH , aged 19. Second Middlesex jury, before Mr. Justice Heath.