Edward Pascoe

1

H D Stait-gardner on 6th March 2012

EDWARD PASCOE, REUBEN LIMPENNY, JOHN KNAPP, and HENRY VINGOE, were indicted for having on the 11th of February last, broken into and entered the shop of MR. PETER ARTHUR, watchmaker, and stealing from thence several gold and silver watches. A second count in the indictment charged the prisoners with having received the goods knowing them to have been stolen. The last-named two prisoners were defended by MR. PASCOE; Mr. DAVIES appeared for Limpenny, and Mr. Rogers for Pascoe. On the part of the prosecution it was stated that there had been stolen about twenty-four watches in all. It was not attempted to be shewn that the prisoners broke and entered the shop of the prosecutor, but it was proved that each of the prisoners had dealt with the property. The evidence shewed that both Knapp and Vingoe had pawned one or two of the watches in Penzance, and that Pascoe and Limpenny had disposed of three at Helston and Falmouth. Some of the witnesses for the prosecution were subjected to a severe cross-examination, and in one instance the effect of a portion of evidence, which seriously affected the prisoner Vingoe, was materially lessened owing to the conflicting statements of the witnesses. On behalf of Vingoe, Mr. Pascoe examined several witnesses, who established an alibi as to the robbery, and gave the prisoner an excellent character. Mr. BALL, of the Union Hotel, gave the prisoner KNAPP a most unexceptional character for honesty. The advocates for the prisoners severally addressed the jury, who afterwards remained in consultation about one hour. Pascoe and Limpenny were both found guilty on the first count in the indictment for housebreaking, and sentencved to Ten Years' transportation. Vingoe and Knapp were found guilty on the second count for receiving goods knowing them to have been stolen, and were sentenced to be imprisoned in the borough gaol for eight and four months respectively, with hard labour.