THE TIMES. SATURDAY OCT. 24, 1818, pg. 3 Issue 10496, Column E

POLICE

GUILDHALL. – DANDIES – Yesterday, W. Clarke, a young person in very tight stays, and decorated with all the other insignia of a dandy, was brought up on the vulgar charge of picking a brazier’s pocket.
Mr. John Dean, the complainant, said, that as he was going through Whitefriars, from his house in Swallow-street, to St. Clement’s-lane, at two o’clock the day before, a gentleman named Bushell told him his pocket had been just picked, and that the person who had picked it was just turning the corner into a paved court. The complainant saw the prisoner and another man walking along unconcernedly, until they came to the corner of the court, down which they gave a short turn. Witness called out, “stop thief,” upon which the prisoner’s friend ran away, and the prisoner himself tried to to the same, but some how or other was unable. Witness saw his pocket-book lying on the pavement; it contained six 1 £ notes, and a Birmingham note for 5l.

Mr. Bushell said, he saw the prisoner and his companion follow the complainant, but had no suspicion that they were thieves, as they appeared to be men of fashion. He was, however, soon convinced that they were in the exercise of a trade, for the success in which their dress was well adapted. The prisoner put his hand into Mr. Dean’s pocket, and very calmly took out his pocket-book. It was done in such a manner, as not to excite the slightest suspicion in the witness, who concluded that they were friends of the gentleman, and were playing him a pleasant trick. He thought it rather odd that they should turn a corner without speaking to Mr. Dean; on which he spoke to that gentleman upon the subject. When Mr. Dean went after the prisoners the witness did not follow him; for he knew that the Dandies, if they attempted to escape, would be obliged to return by the way they went out of their sight; and he accordingly stationed himself at the corner, to prevent their getting away, in case the thing turned out to be more than a jest. The prisoner’s friend first ran from the passage, and did so with such violence as to break through the opposition of Mr. Bushell. The prisoner himself next appeared, but was unable to make any struggle; a child would have stopped him. The witness of course kept his finger upon him, and was surprised at hearing nothing escape from him but “Curse the stays.”

An officer found some Bank notes on the prisoner, a silver watch, hair chain, and five gold seals.
Prisoner. – “‘Pon my honour, I go them all in the way of business.”

The MAGISTRATE (Aldermann Atkins) said, he never heard a clearer case of felony. He directed that the watch, seals, &c. should be advertised, and expressed an expectation that the persons to whom they formerly belonged would be induced to come forward upon the subject.

The prisoner’s solicitor observed, that he was to understand that his client was to be brought up again.
Mr. Alderman ATKINS said, if any fresh charge should be brought forward, he should certainly have the prisoner again before him. William Clarke was, however, to be considered finally examined upon this accusation.

The prisoner was conducted to prison.