QSR1844/3/5/17

Depositions - George Ladd charged with breaking into the dwelling house of Thomas Atwood and stealing 2 sovereigns and 40 shillings in silver belonging to John King, and with putting Mary Ann King in fear.

27 May 1844

From: 1844 To: 1844

Mary Ann King of Luton – on Saturday 25 May about 6pm she went home to her grandfather Thomas Atwood’s house in Chapel Street. She unlocked the door and went upstairs. She saw a man standing against the drawers. She then called out for Mrs Cawdell who lives next door. She turned to go downstairs to fetch someone when the man caught hold of her by her left arm and threw her down and kicked her on her left side. He then pulled out a knife and swore he would kill her if she made a noise. She had 2 sovereigns and 40s in her hand. When the man threw her down her money was scattered about the floor and the man picked it up. As she lay on the floor he stepped over her and went downstairs. When he stepped over her she saw that his toes were out of his shoes and tied up with blue and white rags. On Saturday night she went to the Cage and saw the prisoner. She is sure he was the man she saw in her grandfather’s house. The prisoner had a red cap on. Sophia Isaacs of Luton – on 25 My about 6pm she went past Thomas Attwood’s house in Chapel street and saw Mary Ann King crying. She went into the house and asked what was the matter. Mary Ann King said a man with a red cap on had knocked her down and hurt her side and taken some money from her. She asked King where the man had taken it from her – she said in her grandmother’s room. She asked if he had taken anything else – she said she did not know and asked her (Isaacs) to go upstairs. She went upstairs and saw the drawers broken open. She ran downstairs and gave the alarm. Henry Leeper of Luton, bonnet ironer – on 25 Mary between 4 and 5pm he saw Ladd going towards Thomas Attwood’s house with some puzzle purses in his hand. He said “old fellow, what have you got there – some puzzle purses?” Ladd said “yes” and that he was obliged to sell them for a living. About 6.30pm he was going home when he heard of the robbery. He went in search of Ladd with Mr Attwood and found him at the Crown public house. He stayed with Ladd until the constable came. Edward Snoxall of Luton, bonnet ironer – at about 6.30pm on 25 May he saw Ladd coming from Mr Attwood’s house with something in his hand. Ladd was walking quick and looking round, apparently to see if anyone was following him.

item

Ladd, George,
Atwood, Thomas,
King, John,
King, Mary Ann,
Isaacs, Sophia,
Leeper, Henry,
Snoxall, Edward

LUTON, Luton Chapel Street, stealing, money, threats, breaking & entering, bonnet presser, parish cages, Luton Crown