John Dean

341

Maureen Withey on 13th April 2026

Tried at the Old Bailey, 27 May 1830. 1249. JOHN DEAN and WILLIAM DEACON were indicted for stealing, on the 5th of May, 1 handkerchief, value 5s., the goods of William Corbett , from his person . BENJAMIN CHARLES MURRAY . I saw Dean take a handkerchief from the prosecutor's pocket, near William-street, Blackfriars , on the 5th of May, between eight and nine o'clock at night; he gave it to Deacon, who put it into his pocket - I told the prosecutor, then followed them over the bridge till I met an officer, and gave them in charge; I saw Deacon throw down the handkerchief as he was going back - a person took it up, and delivered it at the station-house; the prosecutor was not there that night, but he owned it the next day. Cross-examined by MR. LEE. Q. Was it dark? A. It was dusky; I was on one side of the bridge and they on the other; I could distinctly see Dean take it - the handkerchief was light, and the gentleman was dressed in black. Deacon. I am sure he could not see us; he has been a witness here a dozen times. Witness. I have been a street-keeper, and have had a number of cases here. COURT. Q. Did you keep your eyes upon them? A. Yes; they were not out of my sight, except when I turned my head to speak to the prosecutor. MR. LEE. Q. Were you not in the old Police? A. No. I was in the new Police, but have been discharged three weeks for being asleep on my beat - it was not for being drunk. WALTER FLEMING . I am a Police-man. I was on duty on the 5th instant; Murray pointed out the prisoners to me, and with his assistance I took them both - as we were going to the station-house, I told Murray to walk behind to see that they did not put their hands to their pockets - and in Pell-street, Deacon was in the act of pulling out this handkerchief, and this other with it - he threw them down; one of the men took them up, and took them to the station-house. Cross-examined. Q. What time elapsed between Murray coming to you, and your taking them? A. Not more than five minutes; he must have lost sight of them; I dare say they did not expect to be taken - I dare not search a man till I take him to the inspector. WILLIAM CORBETT . This is my handkerchief, which I had taken from me on the 5th of May - it has no mark on it, but I believe it is mine; I did not see either of the prisoners till they were in custody. Cross-examined. Q. Is it not a very common pattern? A. I do not know Sir - I believe it to be mine. DEAN - GUILTY . Aged 18. DEACON - GUILTY . Aged 18. Transported for Fourteen Years .