James Welsh

Level 346

Maureen Withey on 6th December 2023

The following case in the Old Bailey may refer to this man. However, the name is James Welch, and it contradicts the information listed in the Irish Convict database, of his crime being stealing from his employer. Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 06 December 2023), July 1829, trial of JAMES WELCH (t18290716-129). JAMES WELCH, Theft > pocketpicking, 16th July 1829. 1503. JAMES WELCH was indicted for stealing, on the 25th of July , 1 watch, value 4l.; 3 seals, value 1l.; 1 watch-key, value 5s.; 1 ring, value 5s., and 1 watch-ribbon, value 2d., the goods of Francis Dungate , from the person of Mary, his wife . MARY DUNGATE . I am the wife of Francis Dungate - he is an undertaker : he was at a public dinner at the Eyre Arms, on the 25th of June; I went there, and sat in the gardens till they had dined - we were coming home about ten o'clock at night; I had a reticule in my hand, which contained the watch and the articles stated; it was on my arm - as I was in the passage I felt some one push me, and it went away from me momentarily; I saw a person run away, but I could not swear who it was. Cross-examined by MR. PHILLIPS. Q. Were there a great many people running? A. Yes. JOSEPH BRENT . I heard the alarm, and saw a man come running towards me; I put out my foot, and tripped him up; he got up, and cried Stop thief! himself - I cannot tell who it was, because it was dark in the passage, but as soon as he got through the passage into the gardens, I saw another person running after him; I found this watch and seals where I tripped up that person. Cross-examined. Q. Had you dined there? A. Yes, I had drank very little. SAMUEL WHATMORE . I bad been at the dinner, and was in the passage. I saw this lady with her reticule - I saw the prisoner take the watch out of the reticule, and run off; he had not ran far before he made a plunge, and fell down - I was within a yard of him, and am certain he is the person who fell down; a friend of mine was waiting in the passage, and I came away immediately. Cross-examined. Q. Did you see a man take the watch, then fall down, and yet not touch him? A. I was forced away by the crowd - I do not know that the Magistrate asked me why I did not give assistance; I was put into the watch-house about two hours afterwards, for being disorderly: I was charged with being drunk, but I was sober. GEORGE SMITH . I am an officer. I was standing at the entrance of the gardens, and heard Stop thief! called - I saw the prisoner run, and pursued him; he ran into a booth where there were two or three hundred people: I caught him round the neck - several persons told me to let him alone, as he was a publican's son; I took him back to the lady, and asked her which was the man - she said that was him; I took him into the parlour, and searched him - I found on him a ticket of admission to the dinner, 33s., and a handkerchief; he wished to see the lady, but I would not let him. MR. PHILLIPS to MRS. DUNGATE. Q. Did you tell Smith he was the person? A. I did, but there were so many hundred persons running I think I might be deceived my husband has no other name but Francis.(Property produced and sworn to.) JAMES PERREN . I saw the prisoner in custody at the bar; he said, "Let me see the lady, and I will make it all right; let me go." Prisoner's Defence. I am innocent, and I hope you will be satisfied of it; why did not this man take me, if he saw what he says - I was apprehended in about five minutes; I said, "Take me back to the lady, she will be convinced I am not the person." GUILTY . Aged 18. Transported for Fourteen Years .

Level 346

Maureen Withey on 6th December 2023

Irish Convict Database, by Peter Mayberry. James Welsh, age on arrival, 18, per Dunvegan Castle (1) 1830. Tried London, England, 1829, 14 years for robbing employer. Previous convictions – not recorded. DOB, 1812, native place, Waterford, Catholic. Trade, Groom. Single.