Michael Coughlan

Level 2

John Burgess on 1st January 2023

Thank you for this record. I believe I am a direct descendent from Michael. Names Coughlan and Singleton and the town are in my family record. John Burgess Nb Mother nee Joyce Coughlan, Father Athol George Coughlan.

Level 221

D Wong on 17th February 2016

Old Bailey: WILLIAM RICHARDS, MICHAEL COUGHLAN, Theft > pocketpicking, 12th July 1827. Reference Number: t18270712-31 Offence: Theft > pocketpicking Verdict: Guilty; Guilty Punishment: Transportation WILLIAM RICHARDS and MICHAEL COUGHLAN were indicted for stealing, on the 5th of June , 1 handkerchief, value 3s., the goods of William Giles , from his person . WILLIAM GILES. I live at Mitcham, and am private secretary to Mr. Hoare, the banker . On the 5th of June, about the middle of the day, I was going up Fetter-lane , near Rolls-buildings; I did not miss my handkerchief, but the witness Reeve told me it was gone - I had used it an hour before; I then felt in my pocket, and missed it; I returned with him into his mother's shop - he said he had sent the shopman after the thieves, and in five minutes both the prisoners were brought in; my handkerchief was not found - it was worth 3s. CHARLES POLLETT . I am shopman to Mrs. Reeve, No. 118, Fetter-lane. On the 5th of June I was dining in the parlour; my young master called me out, took me to the corner of Rolls-buildings, and pointed out the two prisoners; they turned a corner into White's-alley - I followed, and turned round; Coughlan was going up a place which is no thoroughfare - I collared him, and called Stop thief! after the other; I dragged him after me, and caught hold of Richards, who was about ten yards off - they were both close together before; I charged them with picking a pocket; they said they were innocent, that they were both looking for work, and were strangers to each other. They were running close together when I first saw them. Prisoner COUGHLAN. Q. Was not I looking into a window, reading a bill? A. He just turned his head round towards a window, whether there was a bill in it I do not know. WILLIAM THOMAS REEVE . I am fourteen years old, and live with my parents, in Fetter-lane - they keep an oil and Italian warehouse. On the 5th of June I saw Mr. Giles at the corner of Rolls-buildings; the prisoners were close to him; I saw them draw a pocket-handkerchief out of his pocket - Coughlan was the one who drew it out; he put it into his breast pocket; I was four or five yards off; they turned down Rolls-buildings. I went into the parlour, and called out Pollett; I then went and told Mr. Giles what I had seen; I did not pursue; I afterwards saw them in Pollett's custody, and was quite sure of them - they were taken in four or five minutes. Prisoner RICHARDS. He said at first that I was not with Coughlan. Witness. No; I said there was a third one behind them. THOMAS TOOVEY . I am a contable. The prisoners were delivered into my custody on this charge - I took them to Hatton-garden. COUGHLAN's Defence. I was coming up Fetter-lane, and on turning down Rolls-buildings it came on very wet - I ran; a man came and pursued me; I stopped at a window to look at a bill, and he said I had picked a gentleman's pocket - I said I was innocent. They searched me three times, but could not find the handkerchief; I never saw the other prisoner before in my life. RICHARD's Defence. I heard a gentleman halloo Stop thief! I immediately stopped; he took Coughlan towards me, and said it was for picking a pocket. RICHARDS - GUILTY . Aged 17. COUGHLAN - GUILTY . Aged 18. Transported for Life. Ship not found for William Richards. 3/1/1828: Aged 18, Could read and write – assigned to William Bucknell, Hunter’s River on arrival. 27/8/1834: Aged 24 from London. 5’ tall, ruddy fair complexion, light brown hair, hazel eyes, small scar over corner of right eye – Absconded from Wollombi Bridge Party 17th August. 30/1/1835: Admitted to Newcastle Gaol from Sydney. To be sent to Maitland to be dealt with. 18/3/1837: TOL Maitland. 1839: Application to marry Ann Kershaw (came free). 1839: Married and they had 8 children. 30/6/1847: Extended CP granted. 1855: Michael died aged 45 – Listed as Coghlan. 21/8/1855: Ann married William H Bunn at Wollombi and she died in 1902 at Singleton aged 80.