John Driscoll

343

Maureen Withey on 28th January 2023

Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 28 January 2023), November 1803, trial of JOHN DRISCOLL (t18031130-24). JOHN DRISCOLL, Theft > grand larceny, 30th November 1803. 24. JOHN DRISCOLL was indicted for feloniously stealing, on the 29th of October , a pair of breeches, value 20 s. the property of Vincent Kennett, Esq . JAMES GOOD sworn. - I was servant to Vincent Kennett , Esq. No. 2, New Cavendish-street, Portland-place : On the 29th of October, between eleven and twelve o'clock, the prisoner rung the bell, and asked for Mr. Kennett; I told him he was not at home; he then asked if the lady was at home, he would be very glad to speak to her; I rung the bell for the maid to let her know that Mr. Smith wanted to speak to her, that was the name he came in; my mistress, not knowing the name, sent word for him to wait ten minutes, and my master would be within; I then left him and the maid in the hall; I heard him desire her to go up again, and tell her mistress it was particular business, and he would not detain her two minutes; while she was gone, he went into the parlour, and took a pair of doe-skin breeches; they were hanging there not five minutes before; he went away, and left the street-door open; my master and I then went in pursuit with the carriage, and I took the prisoner with the breeches in his hand in Rosemary-lane. ALICE ARUNDEL sworn. - I am servant to Mr. Kennett; James Good desired me to acquaint my mistress a Mr. Smith wanted her; the prisoner is the man; the prisoner desired me to go up a second time, and when I came down, he was gone, and had left the door open. ( Daniel Cartwright , an officer, produced the breeches, which were identified by Samuel Nunn , the maker, by Good, and by Mr. Kennett.) Prisoner's defence. I had two small phials of brandy, as samples; the servant said he should like some brandy for the winter, and he said he had no money, and I told him a gallon of brandy for the breeches. GUILTY , aged 59. Transported for seven years . London Jury, before Mr. Recorder. --------------------------------------------------- Hulk Record HO-9-8_3 Captivity Hulk, at Portsmouth. Received 21 prisoners from on board the Portland, Langston Harbour, 7 Jan 1804, John Driscoll, age 48, Fy (felony). Tried at London 30 Nov 1803, BS 7 years, Sent on board Fortune 9 Jan 1806.