Cambridge Independent Press 6 Jul 1888: John and Sidney Bailey guilty of theft

ON THE DOWNWARD PATH.

John Vivash Bailey (18), described as a barman, and Sidney William Bailey (10), his younger brother, both of whom reside at Trumpington, were charged with stealing a half-sovereign, belonging to Albert Rayner, on June 23rd. — Albert Rayner, baker, residing at Trumpington, said the younger defendant used to come round to his place of business and have a ride in his cart. On the day named, he took off his waistcoat and left it in the bakehouse. In the pockets there was a watch and a little case containing three half-sovereigns. Sidney Bailey had been about with him in the cart that morning. About six o’clock in the evening, he saw his vest again; but he did not examine it. He missed the half-a-sovereign of the money on the morning of the 25th of June. He saw the little boy Sidney on the Monday afternoon, and said to him, “Your sister has been down here, and says you have got half-a-crown in your box. How did you come by it?” He replied, “My sisters do tell lies; I haven’t got a half-a-crown.” The younger prisoner then left, and on the following day witness took him to the police officer of Trumpington. In the presence of P.C. Vialls and himself, the younger prisoner said he was sure he did not know anything about the half-sovereign, and he had not seen the money at all. He was sure, too, that his brother Jack had not had it. He also denied having half-a-crown. When pressed, Sidney said his brother Jack saw where the money was, and told him to go and “nick” half-a-sovereign. The young lad also said that he changed the coin at Mrs. Saunders’, giving 2s. of it to his father, 1s. to his mother, and 6s. to Jack. He also understood him to say that he bought a quarter of a pound of cheese, and had the rest of the coppers himself. Jack promised to give him some more of the money. The boy explained that he took the money on the Saturday. — In answer to the father of the accused, the prosecutor said the younger prisoner was not in his employ, although he helped him whenever he felt disposed to do so. — Susanna Moss, wife of John Moss, living at Trumpington, said she kept a small shop in that village. About six o’clock on the evening of Saturday, June 23rd, the younger prisoner came into her shop, and asked if she could give his father change for half-a-sovereign, and she did so. She believed she gave the prisoner three two-shilling pieces and four shillings. — P.c. Vialls, stationed at Trumpington, said he had been present in court during the time the evidence was given in reference to the conversation which took place in his house and the statement of the prosecutor was correct. He went in search of the elder prisoner on the Tuesday, and he found him in the Coach and Horses public house. He told him that he wished to speak to him concerning a half-a-sovereign which had been stolen from the prosecutor, Mr. Rayner. He cautioned him, and went with him to his father’s house. In the presence of the prisoner and his father and mother, the elder prisoner said, “What do you say, Sidney - I know something about this half-sovereign?” The lad replied, “Yes, you told me to go and nick it - you know you did - and you showed me how to slip the catch back and get the money out. I went and got it, and when I came back I saw Jack. He said, ‘Have you got it?’ and I said, ‘Yes.’ Jack then said, ‘Go to Saunders’ and get change.’ I went and got change. I received three two-shilling pieces and four shillings.” The father said, “What have you done with the money? Why didn’t you tell me how you came by it?” He said, “I gave you a shilling, father; I gave mother a shilling; tenpence halfpenny I laid out for mother in cheese, vinegar and other things; I gave Jack twopence halfpenny on Saturday night; and I spent the remainder with the exception of the three two-shilling pieces. On Saturday dinner-time, I went upstairs, and Jack was in the bedroom. I was “jinking” my money in my pocket, and Jack said, ‘What have you get there?’ I replied, ‘I have got some of that half-sovereign left.’ I gave him a two-shilling piece, and Jack said ‘Give me the other and let me put it in my box for you.’ I gave it to him.” The younger of the prisoners said he gave his brother the six shillings, which the elder prisoner said he spent on the previous day. — The prisoners elected to be summarily dealt with, the elder brother denying that he told his brother to go and take the money. — The Chairman characterised the case as a very lamentable one, because he was sorry to say that the father and mother knew quite well where they got the money from. The magistrates considered that the younger prisoner was acting under the influence of his brother, whom it was in their jurisdiction to send to prison for three months. He would have to go to gaol for six weeks only. With reference to the lad Sidney, they did not wish to brand him as a felon for the remainder of his life, considering that he acted under the persuasion of his brother, and he would be discharged. They hoped that this would be a warning to him in regard to his future conduct.