John Johnson

Level 347

Maureen Withey on 17th July 2026

Bristol General Gaol Delivery. James Maher (25 ), John Johnson (29), and George Watkins(l7), were indicted for burglariously entering and robbing the dwellinghouse of Mr. James Allies in Pritchard-street, at about eight o'clock in the evening of Sunday, the I7th of December last, and Ann Packer and Jane  Scott (18), for harbouring and receiving, not the goods, but the before-named prisoners. It appeared in evidence that, on the of November preceding the robbery, Jane Scott and Maher hired a back bed-room on the first floor house in Newfoundland-street.as for Maher and his wife,  who afterwards proved to be Ann Packer, Maher paying a week’s rent (35.) in advance ; and that they lodged ihere, (Maher being sometimes absent, when Jane Scott slept with Ann Packer) till the night of the robbery. On the same floor resided another sub-tenant, married female, who saw occasionally Maher and Johnson enter, and heard their voices in the apartment adjoining her own. On the in question, just after the hour of the burglary, she heard the men enter. Johnson and Watkins first, and Maher afterwards, the former throwing down a handle; and overheard conversation about caps and lace, smelt the burning of such articles, and heard the beating  together of plate. The family of Mr. Allies were first alarmed the door of one of their bedrooms backward being listened within, and then discovered that had been entered through the window, the brass fastening which was broken, the bed and bed-clothes packed up, the room in disorder, and silver tea-pot, nine shirts, a silk scarf,  a miniature-picture of Mr.Allies, five lace-caps, and other articles, missing. Mr. Evans, the Keeper of Bridewell, having received information, two days previously, of Maher’s residence in Bristol, taking with him several other officers, forcible entry was made into the room described, whence Maher and Johnson attempted escape out the window, but were secured on the roof of an adjoining building, and the property stolen from Mr. Allies  found in the room and about the premises. On the person of Johnson and in the room were found a dark-lantern, phosphorus-box, matches, waxtapers, several pick-locks, keys, two centre-bits, and two pair of pocket-pistols, one of the pair loaded with ball. Watkins and the two women also were taken into custody in the room. Maher, Packer, and Scott, had the benefit of Counsel, and the learned Recorder gave every attention to cross-examination of the numerous witnesses for the advantage of all the prisoners. In the summing up, the Recorder premised that the charge, against the women though strictly in point with regard to the law, was novel in practice nor were they and Watkins proved to sufficiently connected with the burglary, to warrant a verdict against them. The Jury were not long in consultation before they returned verdict of Guilty against Maher, and Johnson, and Not Guilty in favour of Watkins, Packer, and Scott. Bristol Mirror, 12 April 1823.