George Garratt

341

Maureen Withey on 24th March 2026

Tried at the Old Bailey, 11 January 1828. 484. JOHN OSBORN and GEORGE GARRATT were indicted for stealing, on the 16th of December , 1 watch, value 2l.; 2 seals, value 2l.; 1 key, value 1d., and 1 ribbon, value 1d., the goods of William Gutteridge , from his person . WILLIAM GUTTERIDGE . On the 16th of December, between seven and eight o'clock in the evening, I was passing through St. Paul's Church-yard ; a person, whom I believe to be Garratt, pushed against me, and, at the same instant, snatched my watch, and ran down King's Head-yard - Osborn instantly came up, and pushed against me again; I pursued them, and saw them taken; the seals and ribbon were taken from one of them, and the watch-case was found at the top of the court; I am certain of them, for I never lost sight of them. THOMAS TOOLE . I live in Baynes'-buildings. I was in St. Paul's Church-yard, and saw the prisoners together- I watched them for an hour and a half; I saw them shove up against Mr. Gutteridge, and Garratt took the watch; Osborn then gave Mr. Gutteridge a shove, and they ran down a turning - I saw them stopped. Prisoner GARRATT. Q. Where was you? A. Looking at you; you were walking up and down on the Ludgate-hill side, for a long time. BARTHOLOMEW SCANDLAND . I was in the Old 'Change between seven and eight o'clock, and saw the two prisoners there; I heard the cry of Stop thief! the prisoners were coming along, both crying Stop thief! but nobody was before them - the prosecutor was following them up; I stood by at the corner of a lane, and when they came up I sprang out, and grasped both of them in my arms; they said twice, "Where are the thieves?" I said, "I am afraid you are them." I secured Osborn - Garratt got from me, but Lyon took him. MICHAEL LYON . I took Garratt, who broke from Scandland. WILLIAM TURNER . On this evening I assisted in stopping Garratt, and went with him to the watch-house; I returned in about ten minutes, and picked up these two senls, within about two yards of where I stopped him. LIONEL MENCE . I was at my master's, next door to the court which they ran up (King's Head-yard); I heard a noise, went out, and found the watch-case - I gave it to the officer.(Property produced and sworn to.) OSBORN's Defence. I was passing in Watling-street, and heard the alarm; I pursued, and was stopped. GARRATT's Defence. The court is very dark - it is impossible to recognise any person's features there. OSBORN - GUILTY . Aged 22. GARRATT - GUILTY . Aged 22. Transported for Seven Years .