Thomas Condon

135

C H on 17th February 2024

Old Bailey Online JAMES KING. THOMAS CONDON. Theft; pocketpicking. 10th September 1829. Text type Trial account Defendants JAMES KING, THOMAS CONDON Offences Theft > Pocketpicking Session Date 10th September 1829 Reference Number t18290910-156 Verdicts Guilty, Guilty Punishments Transportation 1686. JAMES KING and THOMAS CONDON were indicted for stealing, on the 31st of July , 1 handkerchief, value 9s., the goods of Loftus Henry Bland , from his person . WILLIAM WILLIAMS . I am a parish officer. I heard a cry of Stop thief! on the 31st of July, about six o'clock in the evening, in King-street; I saw the two prisoners running, Condon first and King after him - I took King, and called to a gentleman, who took Condon; I took this handkerchief from a person who picked it up - I did not see it dropped; I went to the office, and heard a gentleman, who stated his name to be Loftus Henry Bland, examined; he stated the handkerchief to be his. MARTIN CHARLES BARTON . I am an upholsterer, and live in Brownlow-street. I was in Bloomsbury-place , and saw three gentlemen walking together, the middle gentleman had his handkerchief a little out of his pocket; I saw the two prisoners together - they went up behind him, and King took the handkerchief; I had watched them for some time - I went up to the gentleman, and said, "Sir, have you not lost your handkerchief?" he felt, and said, "I have;" the prisoners went off, but were pursued and taken directly; the gentleman, whose pocket I saw picked, went to the office, and gave his name as Loftus Henry Bland. Cross-examined by MR. BARRY. Q. How far from the place were the prisoners taken? A. They had just turned round the corner of King-street; I did lose sight of them; I do not know who took the handkerchief from the ground; I was told it was taken up at the corner of Bloomsbury-place, at a fishmonger's shop - the prisoners went quietly to the watch-house. THOMAS BENSON . I was with the officer, and took Condon; I received this handkerchief from a boy. Cross-examined. Q. Where did you receive the handkerchief? A. Within about twenty yards of where it was thrown down; I saw it thrown, and it was given me by a baker's boy - I was taking Condon back to the place to take it up; I should think it was not a minute from the time it was taken. WILLIAM WILLIAMS . This is the handkerchief - I saw the prosecutor sign his deposition. Condon's Defence. I am an apprentice to Mr. Samuel Bentley, of Salisbury-square. KING - GUILTY . Aged 23. CONDON - GUILTY . Aged 19. Transported for Fourteen Years .