Thanet Advertiser 23rd October 1880

A FOOLISH WOMAN AND HER MONEY

Frederick Emptage, 28, described as a fisherman, was indicted for stealing a bag containing 26 pounds 14 shillings and 5 pence, the money of Maria Thompson Hurrell, at Margate on the 1st October.

He was further indicted with receiving it knowing it to have been stolen.

Mr Prosser. prosecuted, and the prisoner, who was undefended, pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutrix’s evidence was to the effect that she went to Margate on the 1st October, having then 30 pounds in her possession.

In the evening she met the prisoner, who took her to find lodgings. They went to 3, Lombard Street, and whilst there she gave the prisoner 2 shillings and 6 pence, with which he purchased some bitter ale and ham.

After having supper she went to bed, the prisoner and the landlady going with her to the room. She put the bag containing the money under her pillow, and when she awoke it was gone. The prisoner came into her room.

Martha Ladd, living at 3, Lombard Street, deposed that the prisoner, who had been living at her house, brought Maria Thompson Hurrell to her for a bed, representing that she was his cousin.

After they had helped the prosecutrix to bed, she saw Frederick move the bag from under her pillow and take some coppers out, but she thought he put the bag back again. The prisoner then went away and did not return.

BY THE RECORDER:

Prosecutrix did not appear to have been drugged; she could have seen the prisoner take the bag.

P.C. Richardson deposed to apprehending the prisoner at Ramsgate, when 3 pounds was found upon him.

At the time of the apprehension he said, “John Ladd took the bag from me, a 5 pound note, and about 12 pounds in gold.” The prisoner here said he did not know what he was saying when he made that statement.

The Recorder having summed up the evidence to the jury, the foreman asked if anything was known of Ladd. Superintendent Romania said there was such a man, but he had absconded; he was a known thief.

The jury retired, and returned to into court with a verdict of Guilty.

The prisoner was then charged with having been convicted in August of stealing a worsted jacket, and to this he pleaded guilty.

The Recorder said the prisoner had been very properly convicted, and where there was a previous conviction, it was usual to sentence a prisoner to penal servitude; but he would give him one more chance.

He then sentenced prisoner to twelve calendar months’ imprisonment with hard labour.

Note:

Frederick Emptage, a mariner born Margate 1854 to parents, Edward Robert Emptage and Ann Elizabeth (Hewett). The death date for Frederick is unknown, but as a mariner he sailed from one port to another around the world. It is believed he died whilst at sea but this is still under investigation.