Birmingham Daily Post – Thursday 28 December 1865
BIRMINGHAM POLICE COURT
YESTERDAY
Before Messrs. T.C.S. Kynnersley (Stipendiary), J. Poncia, S. Buckley, H. Van Wart, and S. Thornton.
STEALING A WATCH. — John Kenyon (18), labourer, having no home, was charged with having stolen a silver watch, value 30s., from the shop of Mr. Spiers, pawnbroker, Ann Street. On Tuesday evening the prosecutor was about to close his shop when the prisoner, who had been loitering about for some time, went in and asked him if he received pistols in pawn. There were some watches in a box on the counter, one of which the prisoner took, in the presence of the prosecutor. He did not attempt to leave the shop but remained where he was until a policeman arrived, and he was given into custody. When charged with the robbery, the prisoner said he was guilty and confessed that he had previously undergone three months’ imprisonment for theft. Mr. Kynnersley committed the prisoner for trial at the forthcoming Borough Sessions.
THE CHARGE OF EMBEZZLEMENT. — Edward Clarke (33), traveller, Stour Street, was charged, on remand, with embezzling £2 15s., the money of his employers, Messrs. Buxton, Walker, and Co., printers, 84, New Street. Mr. Cheston appeared for the prosecution. The evidence being insufficient to commit the prisoner, the Magistrates discharged him.
ALLEGED ROBBERY FROM THE PERSON. — Coleman McKerns, gun implement maker, Snow Hill, was charged with stealing a silver watch from the person of John Corns, waggoner, of Darlaston, while in a public-house, on the previous day. For further evidence, the prisoner was remanded till Friday.
THEFT FROM THE LOCK-UP. — Alice Grundy, living in the Old Inkleys, was charged with stealing a bed rope from the lock-up, Moor Street, the property of the Corporation of Birmingham. The prisoner was brought before the Magistrates on Tuesday, and discharged on a charge of theft, in consequence of there being no prosecutor. Inspector Percy received some information after she was discharged and communicated with Police-sergeant Mountford, who went to the house of the prisoner, in which he found the bed rope, marked “Birmingham Police.” He asked her to account for the possession of it, and she stated that a woman gave it to her at the Public Office. This statement was not believed, and the prisoner was locked up. She was sentenced to six weeks’ imprisonment.
THE ALLEGED EXTENSIVE ROBBERY OF JEWELLERY. — Joseph William Yates (21), clerk, New John Street West, was charged, on remand from Friday, with stealing about £150 worth of jewellery, the property of his employer, Mr. Abraham M. Levy, wholesale jeweller, Vyse Street. Mr. J.W. Cutler appeared for the prisoner, and Mr. Powell (firm of Powell and Son) to watch the case on behalf of the pawnbroker, Mr. Spiers. According to the evidence, the prosecutor received a parcel from Messrs. Lawrence and Allday, of Mott Street, which contained, amongst other jewellery, seventy-five gold lockets. He was then upon a journey, and after selecting one locket, he sent the others back to Birmingham, on the 10th inst., addressed to himself at Vyse Street. The goods were accompanied with instructions to the prisoner concerning their return. Afterwards, he received a letter from the prisoner acknowledging the receipt of the lockets. On Wednesday last, a messenger from Messrs. Lawrence and Allday went to the prosecutor, who had returned from his journey, and informed him that the lockets had not been returned. Mr. Levy met the prisoner on Thursday and asked him what he had done with the lockets. He said he had given them to a Mr. Warren, who had a customer for them. Detective-sergeant Mountford received the prisoner into custody and found three pawn tickets concealed in his hat, which related to the lockets. Enquiries were then made at the shop of Mr. Spiers, pawnbroker, Ann Street, and it was found that the prisoner had pledged the lockets there on the 13th instant. Several times previously the prisoner had pledged jewellery there, in all to the value of £20, which he had redeemed. The prisoner pleaded not guilty and was committed for trial at the Sessions. Upon the application of Detective-sergeant Mountford, he was remanded till Friday on another charge of robbing his employer.
Explanation and Context
This article covers various cases presented at the Birmingham Police Court. The incidents reflect the petty thefts and more serious crimes handled in local courts during the mid-19th century. Each case provides details of the crime, the evidence presented, and the magistrates’ decisions, ranging from discharges due to insufficient evidence to committal for trial and sentencing.
Relevance for Historians and Genealogists
- Social History: The article provides insight into the types of crimes, policing, and justice during Victorian England. It highlights the socioeconomic issues of the time, such as thefts by laborers and clerks, possibly driven by poverty or opportunity.
- Local History: Specific locations, such as Ann Street and Vyse Street, are mentioned, which can assist in studying Birmingham’s urban landscape and its commercial areas.
- Genealogical Research: Names, ages, occupations, and addresses of individuals involved are detailed, which may help descendants trace their ancestors’ lives or contextualise their experiences.
- Legal System: The cases illustrate the functioning of the Victorian justice system, including the role of stipendiary magistrates, the use of remand, and sentencing practices.
Crime and punishment in Victorian Birmingham: theft, embezzlement, and robbery cases at the Birmingham Police Court, 1865. A snapshot of justice in history! 🕰️ #VictorianEngland #BirminghamHistory #TrueCrime #Genealogy #SocialHistory
