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From the Borough of Greenwich Free Press, 7 May 1864.
Bridget Scott, a young woman living in Regent Street, Deptford, was placed in
the dock, before the sitting magistrate, charged with having in her possession a
silver watch, supposed to have been stolen.
Diaper (217R,) deposed that at 2 o'clock on Thursday morning, while on duty
in Mill Lane, Deptford, he saw the prisoner bending over a man, who was lying on
the ground in a state of intoxication. Knowing the man to be a citizen of the
lane, he saw him safely home; after which hearing a watch ticking on the
prisoner, he asked her what time it was! She replied that she did not know.
He took her to look at the watch, and she would then see.
The prisoner asserted she had no watch, when witness took her into custody,
and on searching her at the station, the one produced was found concealed in her
breast.
The owner of the watch, Charles Bridger, then came forward, and stated that
he was by trade a gardener, occupying apartments at the "Hatcham Arms" public
house, New Cross. On Wednesday night he arrived by the last train from London,
when he met the prisoner who accosted him and asked him to come home with her.
He consented, and went in her bedroom, taking off his watch, she said "I'll take
care of that Jack, and meet you at the "Centurion" with it, at 9 o'clock
tomorrow morning.
Witness, in reply to the magistrate admitting that he was not sober.
The prisoner in defence, said that the prosecutor had given her the watch to
take care of. Mr. Traill said that he should have to punish the prisoner, and
observed that he was sorry the article stolen did not go to the Crown, as a sort
of penalty for the improper behaviour of the complainant, for whom he had no
sympathy.
Stealing, however, was an offence against the law, and should therefore be
suppressed.
He should order her to be imprisoned for the space of one and 20 days in
Maidstone gaol.
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