Thomas Elcomb

221

D Wong on 13th June 2018

Thomas Elcomb was 39 years old on arrival in WA - he was single, 5'2½" tall, dark brown hair, grey eyes, sallow complexion, stout, literate. 1/1/1872: TOL 6/7/1878: COF Comments: General servant, boot closer. Reconvicted in Western Australia. 2/1/1883 The West Australian, Perth: Thomas Elcomb, burglary. Gingin. 8/7/1886 The West Australian, Perth: SUPREME COURT CRIMINAL SITTING. (Before His Honor the Chief Justice.) WEDNESDAY, JULY 7. Larceny at Guildford. Thomas Elcomb pleaded guilty to stealing certain articles of wearing apparel belonging to William Martin at Guildford on March 28; also with stealing a watch and chain the property of Thomas Jenkinson on April 15. He also admitted a previous conviction. His Honor sentenced him to seven years penal servitude, four years on one indictment and three years on the second. His Honor added : Your past history has been a very bad one ; I cannot give you less than seven years. 1/3/1894 The West Australian, Perth: Absconding.-Thomas Elcombe, ticket-of leave holder, was charged by Corp. Connor, of Gingin, with, absconding from the Fremantle district. He was arrested on 11th February at Leonard's Brook. In answer to the charge, accused said that having been eight years in prison he wished to "see a bit of the country." There was a second charge of being unlawfully in possession of certain goods when arrested. Corporal Connor stated that on the morning of the 24th of February, James Cochrane reported to him that a quantity of provisions had been stolen from an outhouse at his place. Witness found tracks, which he followed all day, and ultimately came up with accused. From the character of the footprints there could be no mistake as to their identity with the boots worn by accused. On the accused were found goods corresponding to those missed by Mr. Cochrane. Accused was sent to gaol for six and three months on the respective charges, the terms to be cumulative. 4/2/1901 The Daily News, Perth: AN ORCHARD ROBBER: An old man named Thomas Elcombe was charged before Mr. W. D. Cowan, P.M., at the Perth Police Court this morning, with having, been in the unlawful possession of some apples, valued at 4s 6d., on the 1st inst. Constable Thompson said that Mr. G. James, of Cannington, frequently complained that his orchard was being robbed. On Friday evening a number of apples were stolen and witness traced them to the defendant's possession. A fine of £l was imposed (in default 14 days' imprisonment). 31/8/1901 The West Australian, Perth: Larccny.-Thomas Elcombe, charged with stealing a Chesterfield coat and other articles of clothing, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment, with hard labour. 23/6/1903 The Daily News, Perth: VICTORIA PARK HERMIT. -HIS PIPES AND CLOTHES. Thomas Elcombe a dilapidated looking individual,- whose address for some time past has been 'Victoria Park,' he having been found boarding and lodging m. the hollow; of a tree, was presented at the City Court to-day on a charge of being a rogue and a vagabond. Constable Murray stated that he entered, the 'dwelling' and found 100 old pipes and about 30 old suits of clothes. Accused (to constable): Gam! You can tell lies as fast as a 'oss kin gallop. Look here, my man, this is the second time you've broken into and robbed me 'ouse. J. Hackford, nightman at Victoria Park, recognised some of the articles found in accused's 'house' as his (witness's) property. His camp had been robbed several times. When arrested Elcombe had £2 in threepenny-pieces in his possession. Mr: Russell: How are you living? Accused: Pretty well, thank you. Mr. Russell : No, no, what are you? —'What are I?.. Why, I'm a tailor.' Can you produce anyone to whom you've sold clothes or made- clothes for? —'Oh, no!' What reason have you to say that the policeman could tell lies as fast as a horse could gallop__we know that is untrue?__ "He's got me set. Once before he wouldn't let me put a clean shirt on. He's no gentleman. Russell: Sergeant, we can't convict him on - this charge — he had £2 when, arrested. Accused (with hand to ear) : I'm deaf, sir — very deaf. Mr. Russell: You are discharged. Accused (with alacrity): Thank you, sir. Mr. Russell. Hm! You heard that quickly enough, anyhow. (Laughter.) 1910: Thomas Elcombe died at Claremont WA.