QSR1844/2/5/13

Depositions and examination - Joseph Placeham charged with stealing 3 half crowns, 2 shillings and a sixpence from the house of William Taylor

9 April 1844

From: 1844 To: 1844

William Taylor of Dunstable, labourer – Placeham is a lodger in his house and had been in the habit of sleeping with him. Last night Placeham assisted in undressing him. He had 7 half crowns and about 4 shillings and a sixpence in his pocket. He counted his money before he went to bed. He put his small clothes containing his money under the pillow. He had lost his money a short time before and suspected Placeham of taking it. In the morning about 7am he counted his money and missed 3 half crowns and some of the loose shillings. He came downstairs and accused Placeham of taking it which he denied. Placeham got up about 5am. No other person sleeps in the house. John Tutte, one of the Rural Police – he went to Taylor’s house and Taylor informed him he suspected Placeham. He found Placeham on the Luton Road and apprehended him. Placeman denied the charge and said he might search him. He searched Placeman but found no money on him. He asked where Placeham got the sixpence he changed at the Cock that morning. Placeham said it was from his sister Gibbs. After being in custody for some time Placeham asked to see Taylor. He took him there and Placeham asked Taylor whether he would drop it if the money was returned. He told Taylor not to answer the question. Taylor left the house. Placeham then told him he had taken 5s out of Taylor’s pocket which was at Mrs Gibbs. He went there with Placeham who went down the cellar and pointed out the place in the wall where he had put the money. He found half a crown, two shillings and a sixpence wrapped in a piece of paper. Joseph Placeham – “I have nothing to say. I am sorry for what I have done.”

item

Placeham, Joseph,
Taylor, William,
Tutte, John,
Gibbs

DUNSTABLE, Dunstable Luton Road, stealing, money, Dunstable Cock