George Wren

Level 41

Roger Churm on 25th April 2019

Old Bailey Proceedings January 1825 GEORGE WREN,Violent Theft,Highway Robbery 13th January 1825 367 GEORGE WREN was indicted for feloniously assaulting Richard Mann,on the Kings Highway,on the 24th of December,putting him in fear,and taking from his person and against his will,a handkerchief value 2.d;three half-crowns,and two penny pieces,his property. RICHARD MANN. I am a bricklayer,and live in Saunders court,Great Peters street,Westminster.On Christmas morning,I was passing down Great Peter street,returning home from a supper,which master had given us at the Marquis of Granby public house,I was perfectly sober,and as I came by the Duke's Head public house,with Barrett,there was a party of fifteen or twenty men round the Duke's Head some of them were ringing hand-bells,and we came up,one of the party struck me a blow over the hat and knocked it over my eyes,and as soon as I put it up,they knocked it off-I picked it up and they knocked it off again;I then held it in my hand and they all fell upon me and beat me in a violent manner;some of the party took three half-crowns and two penny pieces out of my trowsers pocket;they pulled my pocket out,and took a handkerchief from my coat pocket;I endeavoured to get away,and the prisoner followed me or of the mob,and struck me in the right eye,by the lamp-post,he had a woman's bonnet on,I looked under it and said, "I shall know you again" and he said "Will you you *** and struck me again in the right eye,I got up Saunders court,till they got by,then went and told the watchman,and told him Barnett had run away -I had seen the prisoner among the mob,and he followed me out,I cannot say which of them took my property,it happened just under a gas-lamp at the corner of Perkin's-rent;he was taken in five minutes,about fifty yards from the spirit.I had a black eye for a fortnight,and my thighs was very much bruised,where they had kicked me.I cannot say whether I was ill-used before or after I was robbed. JOHN BARRETT. I am a bricklayers labourer ,and had been supping with Mann.I live in Great Peter street;we were going home together,and by the Duke'-head,there was a party,with bells;we attempted to pass them ,on our way home I was struck on the nose,and both my eyes were nearly closed -I got away as I could,and cannot say whether the prisoner was then. JOHN DEMPSEY. I am a watchman.The prosecutor came to me;he appeared sober and was bleeding at the nose and mouth:he said he had been knocked down by the bell-ringers;and had his pocket picked;he said the party were up the street.There were six bell-ringers;the prisoner was not one of them,but was standing by them,with a bottle in hand -I found him with tho,about sixty yards off-I held my lantern up to his face,and Mann immediately pointed him.out-I said"Your are given in charge for ill-using this young man"he said he had done nothing to him,I took him to the watch-you. ROBERT HAYS. I was the constable of night.I searched the prisoner,and found 1 1/2.d upon him. Prisoners Defence. I am quite innocent. GUILTY.Aged 19 Of stealing from the person only. Transported for Seven Years.