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WIlliam Spendlove - Crich 1851
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William Spendlove, 23 charged with having on the 5th of May last at Crich, stolen two half-crowns, and other pieces of coin, shillings and sixpences the property of Chas. Mold. Mr. Adams for the prosecution Mr. Manson for the defence. Robert Lesson who is in the employ of Charles Mold and others, at Crich Coal Warf, on the 5th May left the machine-house to go to dinner at 12 o clock and saw the money safe in the drawer when he went out; there were two half-crowns and the rest in shillings and sixpences. When he returned he saw that his desk had been broken open and an iron stone drill, which was left, fitted to a hairs breath. On the same morning he heard prisoner say to his uncle he had not a farthing
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By Mr. Manson Our???? is about 30 yards from the machine-house, I met the prisoner between Whatstandwell bridge and Alderwadsley. I was present at the time of prisoner s apprehension, and he had some groceries and tobacco in his possession. I challenged the prisoner with taking the money, and he said I might do my worst and put my best in my pocket. He also said that because we did not see him take the money we could have no hold upon him.
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George Shardlow, was next called, but his replies were totally unintelligible from a defect in his voice, as he was deaf, the last witness was allowed to act as interpreter. His evidence was to the effect that the prisoner came into the machine-house whilst Lesson was gone to dinner and asked him (Shardlow) to go and look if a boat was coming up. He did so and on his return in about two minutes he saw prisoner coming out of the machine-room. Isaac Jackson a little boy, went to the warf for some coal on the 5th of May, prisoner came into their shop and brought some sugar, tea and tobacco. This was about 12 o,clock.
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The learned Chairman here interfered and thought the case was not sufficiently strong to go before the jury, and the jury, in answer to an inquiry from him said they should return a verdict of acquittal.
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