Sarah Kettle

Level 347

Maureen Withey on 30th January 2023

Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 30 January 2023), June 1808, trial of SARAH KETTEL (t18080601-49). SARAH KETTEL, Theft > grand larceny, 1st June 1808. 413. SARAH KETTEL was indicted for feloniously stealing on the 11th of April , five handkerchiefs, value 4 s. 2 d. the property of Finney Sirdefield and William Sirdefield . WILLIAM WATSON . I am an apprentice to Mr. Finney Sirdefield and William Sirdefield ; they are linen drapers in Newgate-street . Q. Did you see the prisoner on the 11th of April last - A. I did, between twelve and one o'clock. At the time Sarah Kettel came to my masters' shop I was cutting off a man a handkerchief; Sarah Kettel asked me whether the price was sixteen pence or no; I told her I had said the price was fourteen pence, but I would cut her off one for a shilling; she then told me to cut her one off; I did, and left it on the counter. Q. Was there any other person in the shop at that time - A. There was; there were both the Mr. Sirdefields; the young man and the boy; they were all engaged. Q. Did you cut her one off - A. I did; she did not pay me; I then turned to the man, put his handkerchief into paper, took his money, and went to the window to see whether it was good; I then came back to the counter with intent to put her handkerchief up into paper. On my coming back to the counter I missed one of the two pieces of handkerchiefs which I had shewn to the man before and which the prisoner was looking at; I then went on the side of the counter that the woman was of, thinking it might have fell down; she was standing close by the counter; I could not see it there; I looked at the woman and I saw the corner of it under her gown; she was covering it up with her arm as fast as she could. Q. How many handkerchiefs did that piece contain - A Five. I took hold of the handkerchiefs and asked her where she got them from; she told me she bought them in Cheapside; I directly then sent the boy for the constable; when he came I gave her in charge. Q. Before you delivered her up to the constable did you see that the handkerchiefs were your master's property - A I did. Prisoner. Did I not lay a seven shilling piece on the counter for you to take for the shawl - A. No; I am quite certain that you never offered me any money. Q. to Watson. She did not attempt to bargain for or cheapen this piece that she had taken - A. No; nor did she tender any money. Q. Did you understand that the whole she attempted to buy was this single handkerchief - A. Yes. JAMES WOODMAN. I am a beadle. I was sent for to take charge of this woman; I took her in custody. I have had the piece of handkerchiefs ever since. (The property produced and identified.) Prisoner's Defence. I went into this shop to buy a cheap shawl; he shewed me several; he said he would warrant this to be a strong shawl; and then I seeing these shawls lay by me I turned myself round to look at them; he said I have cut your shawl off; I said I have put seven shillings down on the counter; I had my gown tucked up under my arm; I looked round to look at these shawls; he then said I came in as a shoplifter; I said I did not understand it. The prisoner called one witness, who gave her a good character. GUILTY , aged 40. Transported for Seven Years . London jury, before Mr. Common Serjeant.