HAMPSHIRE COUNTY SESSIONS.
CHARGE OF STEALING FROM THE PERSON.
William Matthews, 28, hawker, was indicted for stealing 13s. from the person of John Draper, at Petersfield; and Louisa Matthews was charged with receiving the said money knowing it to have been stolen.—Mr. Grey prosecuted, and Mr. Bullen defended.
On the 21st of May, the prosecutor was in company with the male and a man named Engiefield. They went into the Bell Inn, at Petersfield, where they had some drink. He and Englefield dropped off to sleep, having £2 7s. 6d. in his purse, and was awoke by a woman, named Gillman, who told him he would lose his purse. He found his purse half-way out of his left-hand pocket. He was lying on his right-hand side, the male prisoner being seated against his head. Draper found his money, with the exception of 14s., was gone. He informed the police, and P.C. Elderfield that same evening showed him four two-shilling pieces and two half-crowns, some of which he identified by certain marks upon it. P.C. Elderfield apprehended the male prisoner, and found 6d. and 2d. upon him, and asked the female prisoner for what she had upon her, and she gave him a shilling and a knife. He put his hand in her pocket, and found four two-shilling pieces, and two half-crowns, and some coppers.
Mr. Bullen argued that the evidence was totally insufficient to convict the prisoners; and, in defence, said that the prosecutor and male prisoner had quarrelled three days previously.
The prisoner, were acquitted.
See 30-May-1863