1900’s

Such sad eyes!

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I wonder how her life was.

Newspaper account: SHOP DOOR THEFT. Jane Thompson (40), was charged at North Shields with stealing from the shop door of Messrs W. Gillespie and Son a pair of boots valued at 5s 11d, on the 12th inst. A pawnbroker's assistant spoke to the woman trying to pledge a pair of boots with hi, but failing to give a good account of herself he had her detained and sent for the police. Sergt. Scougal said that when charged she replied that she bought the boos when in company with her husband on Saturday nights. He made inquiries and found this statement to be untrue. Accused, who pleaded not guilty, was fined 10s and costs. --- Shields Daily Gazette, 13 Jul 1904, page 3

Does "False Pretences" mean con man?

Technical definition "the means whereby the defendant obtained any chattel, money or valuable security from any other person with intent to defraud, indictable as a misdemeanour under the Larceny Act 1861" so yes, a con man. We don't have more details of these people's crimes - if anyone wanted to follow them up in newspaper reports that would be great!

He looks awfully smug about the whole situation.....

Here's the newspaper account: "FALSE PRETENCES AT NORTH SHIELDS. -- Alfred Wilkinson, clerk, North Shields, was charged this morning with obtaining from Elizabeth Banks, at the Albert Arms, the sum of 2s 6d by means of false pretences, and also 1s from William Rutter. -- Elizabeth Banks stated that on the 8th inst. the prisoner went into their public-house and asked her if she knew the late Mr John Dawson who had recently died and was to be buried that afternoon. Witness replied that she did know him, and all his family. He then asked to see her husband, but she told him he was not in just then. Defendant put a paper on the counter and said it was a subscription list for a wreath to be sent to Mr Dawson's funeral. He told her that he had ordered a wreath at Hogarth's and it would cost 30s. On that statement witness gave him 2s 6d. -- Sarah Ann Whittle stated she carried on business as a greengrocer and florist in Saville Street under then name of Hogarth and Co. She knew the prisoner, but he had never given any order for a wreath for Mr Dawson's funeral. -- Thomas Dawson, bar manager, and a brother of the deceased, stated that he had charge of the funeral arrangements, and no wreath was taken or sent by the defendant. He had no permission to collect subscriptions for any wreaths. -- P.C. Hall deposed to arresting the defendant and when he charged him he made no reply. William Rutter, a publican in Tyne Street, stated that defendant went to his house and asked him if he knew the late Mr Dawson, he replied that he did and thereupon defendant produced a subscription list to purchase a wreath, and witness subscribed 1s towards it. There were other two similar charges preferred against the defendant of obtaining subscriptions towards a wreath for the late Mr Hepple. -- Inspector McQueen put in a list of convictions against the defendant, for fraud and false pretences, in various parts of the country, one sentence running to 12 months' hard labour. -- The Chairman (Mr Foot) stated that it was the worst record he had seen during his time in that Court. They ought to have sent defendant to the Assizes, but, however, they would give him another chance, and he would have to go for one month hard labour on each charge -- four months in all." --- Shields Daily Gazette, 20 Apr 1903, page 3

Larcenist and style icon!!

ALLEGED ROBBERY. -- At North Shields Annie Charlton (27), single woman, of no fixed abode, and Annie Anderson, married, of 38 1/2 Church Way, were charged with being concerned together in stealing on August 24th from the person of Thomas Denham, an English lever watch and gold guard, valued at £7 10s, or otherwise receiving the same well knowing them to have been stolen. -- Chief Constable Huish asked for a remand, as the chain had not yet been recovered. -- Detective-Sergt. Thornton gave formal evidence of the arrests, and said on being charged Charlton said, "Yes, I took it; Anderson got half of the money," and Anderson replied "I got 2s of it." Accused were remanded for eight days. --- Shields Daily Gazette, 26 Aug 1903, page 3

Follow up story: LARCENY OF A WATCH. -- Before the North Shields Bench to-day, Annie Charlton (27), Blyth, and Annie Anderson (33), of Hull, were charged with having stolen on the 24th ult. an English lever watch, valued at £1 19s, the property of Thomas Denham, or otherwise receiving the same, well knowing it to have been stolen. The prosecutor, who is a labourer residing in Dean Street, explained that about 10.30pm on the 23rd ult., he met Charlton at the ferry landing. They went to South Shields, but failed to get lodgings, and in consequence spent the night on the sands. On the following day, they returned to North Shields and saw Anderson. They had some drink together and afterwards went to Anderson's house in Church Way. A man came to the house and witness was "chucked" out. Shortly afterwards, he missed his watch. The watch produced was his property, and valued at £1 19s. The manager of Fisher's pawnbroking establishment stated that he took the watch in pledge from Charlton, who said she was in trouble and wanted the money. He advanced her 8s 6d on it. Detective-Sergeant Thornton said he apprehended Charlton in South Shields Market Place. At first she said prosecutor gave her the watch, but afterwards, in answer to the charge, she replied "I may as well tell you the truth. I did steal the watch and pledged it, and gave Anderson half the money." Charlton pleaded guilty, and Anderson stated that she got 2s from Charlton, but it was money which the latter owed her. She denied having received any part of the proceeds. Charlton was committed to prison for one month, and Anderson was dismissed. --- Shields Daily Gazette, 1 Sep 1903, page 3