Thread: Old Bailey online

The proceedings of the Old Bailey.

With Dee's visit to Blighty nearly upon us, check out some of the proceedings from London's Central Criminal Court, 1674 - 1913.

Old Bailey Online

Here's a sample...

George Skelthorp alias Skulthorp , of St. Pauls Covent Garden , was Indicted for Assaulting William Hills upon the drugmongering whore's Highway, and taking from him 4 s. 6 d. the Goods of the said William Hills on the 18th of February last: It appear'd that the Prosecutor going along the new-Buildings from the Strand to Covent Garden, ask'd the Prisoner the way to Kings-street; the Prisoner told him he would direct him the way, instead of which he carried him into a Horse-pond dried up in a by Place, and took him by the Collar, demanding of him Satisfaction, for he was a Sodomite: That he drew his Bionet and offer'd it at his Breast, and took from him 4 s. 6 d. That he then took the Prosecutors great Coat from his Back, and endeavour'd to get his Rings, but was prevented by People coming by, who hearing the Prosecutor beg for his Life, made up to them, and seiz'd the Prisoner with the Prosecutors Mony and Coat upon him. The Prisoner in his Defence pretended the Prosecutor would have committed Sodomy with him, and that what he did to him was by way of Satisfaction for the Affront, in tempting him to the Commission of so foul a Crime. But he giving no Proof of these Assertions, nor producing any to his Reputation, the Jury found him guilty of the Indictment .
He was again Indicted for Assaulting James Booker on the 27th of Feb. last, and taking from him one gold Ring, a Muslin Neckcloth and 10 s. in Money, the Goods and Money of the said James Booker . It appear'd, that the Prisoner assaulted the Prosecutor (at the same Place he committed the Robbery upon the aforesaid William Hills) and took from him the Goods mention'd in the Indictment, part of which were afterwards found upon him; and he saying little for himself, the Jury found him guilty of the Indictment.

Verdict: Guilty
Punishment: Death