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From the Dover Telegraph, 3 January 1863.
SHOP ROBBERY AT CHARLTON.
John Anders, 36, labourer, pleaded "Not Guilty" of stealing two pieces of
lindsey from the shop of Mr. S. Beaufoy, High Street, Charlton, on the evening
of the 6th of November.
Mr. Poland prosecuted.
It appeared that the lindsey in question (about 64yds.) had been purchased by
Mrs. Whiting, of the "Red Lion" tavern, St. James’s Street, from a woman named
Mary Liiley, who had lodged at her home, but been absent with the prisoner the
whole of the previous night.
Lilley seems to have fallen in with Anders and another man at the "Effingham
Arms," Townwall Street, and afterwards to have gone to the Music Saloon with
them. In the morning, prisoner induced her to sell the lindsey for a sovereign,
and she gave him the money.
J. Hailey, p.s. apprehended two men about 10.20 whilst they were at breakfast at
the "Effingham." Information had been received that prisoner was lurking about
Charlton the previous night, and a shoulder of mutton had been stolen. The two
men were having breakfast with two females, and they were all cutting into a
shoulder of mutton.
Superintendent Coram said that when the prisoner was waiting for his examination
on the 7th November, he declared he was the only guilty person.
Prisoner (who had cross examined his witnesses with some skill):- I was
"muddled" up with liquor then, and did not know what I was about.
Superintendent:- He was perfectly sober at the time, and wanted the Bench to
deal summarily with the case.
Prisoner in defence declared he was not guilty of stealing the goods, and what
more likely than that Mary Lilley had thrown the blame upon him to screen
herself. He had always worked hard at Shields, Portsmouth, and other places, and
had never been before a court before (except in one small affair, which was
neither here nor there). He had already waited two months in gaol for his trial,
and thought this ought to be taken into consideration. The Governor could speak
to his character.
Mr. Coulthard said Anders had been very well conducted since he had been in
gaol; but that he had been committed once before.
The Recorder summed up, and the jury instantly returned a verdict of "Guilty."
A previous conviction of three months' imprisonment in the name of John Thompson
was proved on the 3rd of January last, before the Dover magistrates.
Prisoner:- Yes, but there was a doubt in that case.
The Recorder sentenced him to nine months’ imprisonment, and assured prisoner it
would he the last time he should get any such lenient punishment from this
court.
Prisoner:- I hope I shall not trouble yon again, sir.
Recorder:- I hope not. I shall not allow any expenses to Mrs. Whiting; that is
the only way I have of expressing my opinion as to her conduct.
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(died 6/Jan/1863)
