Thomas Gismore

342

Maureen Withey on 18th April 2021

Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 18 April 2021), December 1825, trial of THOMAS GISMORE (t18251208-9). THOMAS GISMORE, Theft > theft from a specified place, 8th December 1825. 9. THOMAS GISMORE was indicted for stealing, on the 26th of November , at St. Matthew, Friday-street, six gold seals, value 4l. 12s., the goods of John Banfield , in his dwelling-house . JOHN BANFIELD. I am a silversmith and jeweller , and live in Cheapside, in the parish of St. Matthew, Friday-street . On the 26th of November I left my shop and had just got as far as the curb stone, opposite to my own door, when I heard my wife call out; I turned round, saw several people round the door, and the prisoner, who had been seized by somebody - he was taken into the shop - I had left my seals on a tray on the glass-case - these six seals cost me 4l. 12s.; I found the seals scattered about the counter, and some on the glass-case; I gave him in charge. MRS. REBECCA BANFIELD . I was in the shop, putting a tray of seals to rights - they were on the glass-case; I had noticed the prisoner walking backward and forward by the door - he came into the shop, and endeavoured to take away the tray of seals from me - he took hold of it, to take it - I took hold of him by the shoulder, and hetook hold of my shoulder; I was the only person in the shop; he did not get the tray from me - it contained two dozen gold seals and some gold keys - he scuffled very hard with me - I called for assistance - he then let go of the tray, and with his left hand grasped a handful of keys and seals - I saw six seals fall from his hand upon my screaming out; I could hold him no longer, and he ran out of the shop, but had not got to the curb-stone before a young man stopped him - he was brought back - my husband returned just as he was coming in at the door - I am sure he seized the seals in his hand - they were fastened on a card, and he squeezed them up. THOMAS COUCH . I am a cabinet-maker and live in St. John's-street-road. I had been to a warehouse in Friday-street, and heard the prosecutrix scream; I looked round into Mr. Banfield's shop, and saw her and the prisoner struggling; I called Murder! the prisoner ran out of the shop - I laid hold of him, and took him into the shop - Mrs. Banfield charged him with taking the seals and keys - he said nothing, except that he could not run away. Mr. Banfield came in directly. HENRY TURNPENNY . I am a constable. I was passing between seven and eight o'clock and saw a crowd - I went into the shop, and took charge of the prisoner - I found no money on him. I produce the card of seals. MR. BANFIELD. My own writing is on the card - they cost me 4l. 12s. Prisoner's Defence. I was out of employ, and in great distress. GUILTY - DEATH . Aged 41. Recommended to mercy by the prosecutor, on account of his not having used personal violence . --------------------------------------------------- Tasmanian Conduct Record. https://stors.tas.gov.au/CON31-1-15$init=CON31-1-15p132 No 514. Thomas Gismore. Asia (2). Transported for Stealing in a dwelling house. Tried 8 Dec 1825, Life. See record for more details.