Mugshots of Child Criminals And Their Crimes from Early 20th Century England

 

These images are a selection from an album of photographs of prisoners brought before the North Shields Police Court, England, between 1902 and 1916. The set contains mugshots of boys and girls under the age of 21. This reflects the fact that until 1970 that was the legal age of majority in the UK.

Their crimes are chiefly to do with theft of property and animals from shops, ships, gas metres, siblings, other children and their parents. For the girls, theft was mostly from domestic premises in which they were employed as servants. Many of them went to prison. What happened next in their lives, we are not told. Do you know? Is this your ancestor below..?

Below each mugshot. we included the report of the case from the The Shields Daily News, born of The Shields Gazette, established in 1849, which claims to be the oldest provincial evening newspaper in the United Kingdom. It is now part of North East Press, a division of Johnston Press, and the paper has been printed on the presses of the Sunderland Echo in Pennywell, Sunderland, since 1992.

The Court Calls Susan Joice

We begin with the case of Susan Joice. That’s her in mugshot above. On August 18 1903, 16-year-old Susan was arrested, taken to North Shields Police station and charged with stealing money from a gas meter

The Shields Daily News for 19 August 1903 reports:

Yesterday at North Shields, Susan Joyce (16), residing at 17 Front Street, Milburn Place, was charged with stealing on the 15th inst, from a gas meter at a house, 18 Front Street, the sum of 6s 5d, the moneys of the Tynemouth Gas Company. Sarah Nicholson, the occupant of the above house stated that she noticed that the lock had been broken off the meter and the money extracted.

Ellen Watson, sister of the accused stated that the later went to her house with her apron full of copper. Altogether there was 5s 6d. She afterwards handed the money over to the police. Detective Thornton spoke to arresting the defendant and when charged she admitted taking the money out of the meter. The Bench imposed a fine of 5s and 10s costs.

The Tynemouth Gas Company, which features in another theft later in his album, was a 19th-century utility provider based in North Shields, supplying coal gas for lighting and heating before being absorbed by the Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Gateshead Gas Co. Key works, including the Low Lights Gas Works established around 1820, were vital to the local area. The company was absorbed in 1928, eventually becoming part of the Northern Gas Board upon nationalisation.

 

 

Alfred Yarrow, arrested for stealing from his mother

Arrested at North Shields Police Station on 9 February 1905, Alfred had previous.

The Shields Daily News for 2 February 1905 reports:

Alfred Yarrow (17), living in Beacon Street, was charged with being found lodging in a wash-house at 8 Walker Place, without any visible means of subsistence, and failing to give a good account of himself at 2.35 this morning. Chief Constable Huish asked for the youth to be remanded in custody for eight days. There was a case of larceny to be preferred against him. The Chief’s application was granted.

The Shields Daily Gazette for 10 February 1905 adds:

At North Shields, Alfred Yarrow (17) was charged with stealing on January 31st from a dwelling-house, 11 Hudson Street, one shirt and 4½ yards of cotton, value 4s 11d, the property of his mother, Jane Yarrow.

The prosecution said that she had had a great deal of trouble with her son. After she had missed the goods mentioned in the charge she asked him whether he had taken them and he replied that he had. Further evidence showed that the defendant pledged the goods for 1s 3d at the shop of Mr K.T. Driver, stating that his mother had sent him with them.

It was stated that the lad was charged with stealing a ring last October and was bound over for six months. Accused, who had nothing to say, was committed to prison for six weeks in the second division, and the chairman (Mr T. Young) hoped that the lenient treatment would be appreciated by him”.

 

 

George Wilson was arrested for stealing from his father and taken to North Shields Police Station on 16 December 1904.

The Shields Daily Gazette for 16 December 1904 reports:

At North Shields George Wilson (17), a minor, was charged with stealing between the 13th and 15th inst. the sum of 3s, the moneys of his father Wm Wilson. Prosecutor said he resided at 15 Hudson St and the 13th inst. he placed three half-crowns and a shilling between the mattresses of the bed.

On the following day he missed 1 s and yesterday he missed half a crown. He gave information to the police. Insp Thornton spoke to apprehending the prisoner in Geo. Street. Previous to this he saw him in Hudson Street and on seeing him (witness) approach the house he ran away. When charged with the theft he made no reply. On being searched 2s was found in his possession. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. The father, recalled, said there was nobody but his son in the house during those three days. He had had a good deal of trouble with the lad since his mother’s death sixteen months ago. The Chairman (Ald. Collins): Where did you get the 2s? Prisoner: I worked for it on the Fish Quay. The Chief Constable said that on the 26th of last month Wilson was bound over for six months at South Shields for theft. The magistrates committed him to prison for one month.

 

 

David Lloyd, arrested for stealing brushes and a box and taken to North Shields Police Station on 10 November 1902

The Shields Daily News for 10 November 1902 reveals that:

At North Shields to-day, two young boys named David Lloyd (15) and George Burn (14) were charged with stealing on the 8th inst. from a wash-house in Prudhoe Street brushes and a box worth 3s, the property of Peter Johnson. Chief Constable Huish stated that he desired the lads to be remanded for eight days. Lloyd came from Hull. The remand was granted.

The Shields Daily News for 17 November 1902 reveals that the boys pleaded guilty and their parents were bound over in the sum of £5 for their good behaviour during the following 6 months.

 

 

Benjamin McMurdo, arrested for ‘shopbreaking’ on 17 September 1902

The Shields Daily Gazette for 18 September 1902 reveals that Benjamin McMurdo was part of a gang of five 15 year old boys charged with breaking and entering into various business premises and stealing property worth between £4 and £5. McMurdo pleaded guilty to six charges.

 

 

Dora Agnes Sanderson, domestic servant, arrested for theft on  25 January 1906

The Shields Daily News for 23 January 1906 reports:

CHARGE AGAINST A DOMESTIC.

Dora Agnes Sanderson (16), domestic servant, 19 Second Avenue, Heaton was charged with having stolen from Chirton Hill Top Farm, a lady’s gold watch, 2 gold earrings, 2 gold brooches, 2 gold bracelets and other articles, the property of Robt. Wardhaugh. On application of the Chief Constable the accused was remanded for 8 days to enable the police to recover the missing property. Chief Constable Huish told the magistrates that the accused swallowed some embrocation yesterday and the stomach pump had to be used.

The Shields Daily News for 30 January 1906 adds:

THEFT BY A DOMESTIC AT NORTH SHIELDS

At North Shields Police Court to-day, Dora A. Sanderson (16), domestic servant, Heaton, was charged with having stolen on the 22nd inst., from Chirton Hill Top Farm, several article of jewellery, a blouse, and a cloth bag, valued at £12, the property of Robert Wardhaugh.

Prosecutor said that on the date in question he missed a watch, earrings and a brooch from his overcoat pocket. He searched the house and also missed two gold bangles, another brooch, a blouse and a cloth bag. He examined the prisoner’s box and found the blouse, cloth bag and one of the brooches and gave information to the police.

William Green, labourer, 7 Meeting House Lane, Duke Street, said that on the 21st inst., he was coming from Backworth. In walking down Balkwell Lane, which is close to the farm, his feet came in contact with a parcel, which contained the articles of jewellery produced – a watch, two gold bangles and a brooch. PC Abernethy proved the arrest.

Prisoner pleaded guilty to stealing one brooch, a blouse and cloth bag but denied all knowledge of the other articles. The charge was amended , the accused being indicted for stealing one of the brooches, the blouse and the cloth bag only, these being valued at 21s 6d. The father of the girl came forward and handed to the magistrates credentials which his daughter had received from previous employers. They shewed that the accused bore an excellent character. The magistrates bound the father over in £5 to bring his daughter up to receive judgement if called upon within twelve months.

 

 

Frederick Mudd was arrested for stealing money on 3 April 1905

The Shields Daily News for 11 February 1905 reports:

ANOTHER FISH STEALER SENT TO PRISON

At the North Shields Police Court this morning … Frederick Mudd, 17 years of age, residing at 13 Reed Street, was charged with stealing a quantity of haddocks, valued at 3s, the property of the Tyne Steam Fishing Coy, on the 10th inst. PC Spindler said that on Friday afternoon he met the accused coming from the direction of the steam trawler Tyne Belle, carrying a quantity of haddocks. A soon as the accused saw him he dropped the haddocks and ran away. Afterwards he arrested the accused and charged him with stealing the fish, to which he replied, “I have nothing to say”. A clerk representing the Tyne Steam Fishing Company estimated the value of the fish, which the accused dropped at 3s. The Bench committed prisoner to gaol for fourteen days with hard labour.

The Shields Daily News for 3 April 1905 adds:

LARCENY FROM A NORTH SHIELDS TRAWLER. A BOY ROBS HIS BENEFACTORS.

At North Shields Police Court today, Frederick Mudd (17), no fixed abode, was charged with stealing 4s, the moneys of Frederick Marriott, mate of the steam trawler Volunteer, on the 30th ult. The Prosecutor stated that before the boat cast off on March 27th the accused came on board, and in consequence of the statements he made, he was taken to sea. When the boat returned on the 30th ult. the prisoner went ashore and witness missed 4s from his coat pocket in the cabin. PC Spindler said he arrested the accused at noon on the same date. He said he was very sorry he had taken the money. Witness found 3s in his possession and got 3d at a cook shop where the prisoner had left it.

In answer to the magistrates clerk (Mr R.F. Kidd) the prosecutor said that the reason the accused was taken to sea was that he stated he had no father and no mother, and accordingly they took pity on him. Prisoner pleaded guilty to this charge, and also to a further charge of stealing 2s 2d belonging to the third hand of the same steamer. Ald. Elliot said that it was very bad and very ungrateful behaviour on the part of the accused towards those who had shown him kindness by giving him food and shelter. He would be committed to prison for six weeks with hard labour.

The Shields Daily News for 12 September 1905 continues:

THREE MONTHS FOR THEFT

At North Shields Police Court today, Frederick Mudd (17), Myock’s lodging house, was charged with having stolen a pair of Wellington boots, valued at 3s the property of Edgar Beal, a youth employed on board the steam drifter Seymolicus, of Yarmouth. The prosecutor deposed on the 10th inst. he missed the boots from the fo’c’stle, where he had put them two days previously.

PC Spindler said he saw the prisoner on the Fish Quay yesterday morning, wearing the boots. He charged him with having stolen them, and he replied that he bought them from a man for 6d, but on the way to the police station he said he might as well speak the truth, and admitted that he stole the boots on Friday. Chief Constable Huish said the accused, who made his 7th appearance, had been previously imprisoned for theft. He was committed for three months with hard labour.

 

 

Joseph Tombling was arrested for obtaining money by false pretences on 4 February 1905. His is a pretty long history of various offences.

The Shields Daily News for 10 February 1905 reports:

SERIOUS CHARGES AGAINST A NORTH SHIELDS YOUTH. COLLECTING FOR A BOGUS CRICKET CLUB. THREE MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.

At North Shields Police Court today Joseph Tomblin (17) was charged with having obtained by means of false pretences 2s 6d from Henry Dillon Irvin on the 1st inst. with intent to cheat and defraud.

Prosecutor who resides at 9 Prudhoe Terrace, Tynemouth, said that on the 1st inst. the prisoner came to his house and at his request was turned away. Subsequently the accused met him in the street and asked him for a subscription towards the Tynemouth Boys Cricket Club. He asked him to accompany him to his rooms. Accused did so and there he put certain questions to him. Prisoner produced a subscription list and said the club had made arrangements with the North Shields Athletic Association Football Club for the rental of their field. On this representation he gave him 2s 6d and finding afterwards from inquiries that his statements were incorrect he applied for a warrant for his arrest. He produced the list, which bore his and several other names.

Septimus Crowell, 39 Jackson Street, who is secretary of the North Shields Athletic Club said he had never heard of such as club as the Tynemouth Boys Cricket Club.

Detective Sergt. Scougal said he arrested the accused in Front Street, Tynemouth, on the night of the 3rd inst. and charged him. He made no reply. He took him to the Tynemouth Divisional Police Station and upon searching him he found in his possession several lists (produced). In conversation the accused said he had collected the money shewn on the lists upon his own account. There was no such club as the Tynemouth Boys Cricket Club. An organization bearing this name did exist about five years ago but he was not a member of it. On one of the lists appeared the name of A.B. Brown, who was supposed to be the captain of the club. Witness asked him who this person was and he replied that he did not know. Some of the lists were dated three or four years back. During that period the accused had been collecting money for a football club at one part of the year and for a cricket club at another.

Accused was formally charged. He pleaded guilty and had nothing to say.

Prisoner was then charged with having obtained by means of false pretences 9d from Henry Jarvis Ward in the latter part of January. Prosecutor who lives at No. Albury Park Road said the accused came to his house in the latter part of January and told him that arrangements had been made for the renting of a field for the club and that all the money had been subscribed with the exception of 2s 6d. Accused had been coming to him twice a year for at least for years collecting subscriptions for a football and a cricket club. Detective Sergt. Scougal proved the arrest and prisoner pleaded guilty.

A third charge was preferred against the accused of having obtained by similar means 5s from Coun. Geo. Stephenson, steam trawler owner, No. 1 Park Crescent. Accused said he only got 2s 6d.

The father of the accused was asked by the magistrates if he could account for his son’s misconduct. He blamed a certain religious body in Tynemouth, the officials of which sent boys to collect subscriptions. They did not give them officially signed papers or collecting books and this created a great temptation.

The Chairman Capt J. Bolt) said it was a very bad case. The Bench, however, had decided to deal leniently with the accused. He would have to go to prison in the second division for one month on each charge – three months in all.

The Shields Daily News for 1 September 1905 reports:

ASSAULTS AT NORTH SHIELDS. YOUNG MAN FINED.

At the North Shields Police Court today, Joseph Tombling, a young man residing at 25 Edith Street, Spital Dene, was summoned for having assaulted Mrs Jane Mitchell, who resides in the same thoroughfare, and her daughter, Jane Mitchell, on the 25th July.

Mr A. Whitehorn, who appeared on behalf of the complainants, said they were mother and daughter. They resided at 47 Edith Street, Spital Dene, whilst the defendant lived at No. 25 in the same street. On Thursday afternoon last Mrs Mitchell was wheeling a pram past the defendant’s mother’s door when a brother of the defendant jeered at her. She took no notice of him but next day seeing him in the back lane she remonstrated with him about jeering at her. At this time the defendant came upon the scene and rolling up his sleeves offered to fight anyone in Mitchell’s house. Mrs Mitchell advised him to go away and to frighten him said she would throw some water over him. She put the pail underneath the tap and let the water run but before it was half full the defendant ran into the yard, took hold of her by the throat and knocked her head against the wall. Mr Whitehorn described the attack as a most outrageous one and asked the Bench to deal severely with the defendant. The daughter of Mrs Mitchell called the defendant a coward for striking a woman, whereupon the defendant struck her a violent blow on the side of the face. Complainants bore out this testimony.

Defendant alleged that Mrs and Miss Mitchell made a practice of reminding him of the time he was in gaol and telling him he would be there again. He denied assaulting either of the complainants and called his brother who gave evidence on his behalf. A fine of 5s and costs was imposed in each case, with the alternative of 14 days imprisonment.

 

 

James E Howe, arrested for stealing money on 19 September 1906.

The Shields Daily News for 19 September 1906 reports:

At North Shields Police Court today, William Nichols and James E. Howe, boys, were summoned for having stolen from a house in Grey’s Yard, Bird Street, on the 13th inst. 4d, the monies of Philip Thomasela, ice cream vendor.

Prosecutor, through an interpreter, stated that he had missed money from his house and suspecting the accused who came to his place he marked eight pennies, putting four in his pocket and the remainder on a shelf. In the afternoon of the date named they came to his house. Howe asked him if he wanted any milk and he replied “Not today”. They remained about the place and subsequently he missed the fourpence. He accused them of having stolen it. Nichol said he had sixpence, but he bought a packet of tabs getting 5d in change. He made him produce the coppers and he found the four marked coins. He sent for the police but they left before the officers arrived.

John Guthery, an engraver, who lives opposite the prosecutor, said that from what he was told he kept observation upon the prosecutor’s house and saw the two prisoners enter. He afterwards saw the prosecutor examine certain coppers which the prisoner Nichol had produced and heard him say that they were marked and that they were his. Sergt. Hall said he arrested and charged the prisoners. Nichol replied “We took it and Howe got half” and Howe replied “I got a penny”.

Prisoners were further charged with having stolen 5s from the same house on the 6th inst. This charge was denied. This was Nichol’s first appearance, but Howe had been three times previously before the court, the last time in 1904 when he was charged with stealing 5s from the person, his father being bound over for twelve months.

The magistrates remanded Nichol until tomorrow with a view to his father being bound over and committed Howe to prison for 14 days in the second division.

 

 

Percy Swallow, arrested for stealing a watch on 29 November 1907.

The Shields Daily News for 25 November 1907 reports:

Percy Swallow (16), who said he belonged to London, and had walked from there, was charged with being found wandering without having visible means of subsistence. Chief Constable Huish asked him if he would like to go to sea. The lad expressed his willingness, and at the request of Mr Huish he was remanded for a week. In the meantime the Chief Constable will endeavour to get him a ship.

The Shields Daily News for 30 November 1907 adds:

At the North Shields Police Court this morning … Percy Swallow (16), of no fixed abode, was committed to prison for one month on a charge of having stolen a watch, valued at 10s, the property of Peter Larsen, from his room at the Tyne Sailors Home.

 

 

Alice Maud Marr, arrested for stealing door mats on 19 January 1907

“THEFT OF DOOR MATS. MOTHER AND DAUGHTERS SENT TO PRISON.

At North Shields Police Court today Mary Ellen Marr (21), Alice Maud Marr (17), sisters, and Mary Ann Marr (44), their mother, were charged with having stolen an indiarubber door mat, valued at £1 4s, the property of Joseph Ostens, from the doorway of his house, 34 Grosvenor Place, on the 17th inst., or with having received the same, well knowing it to have been stolen. They were further charged with having stolen a similar mat, valued at £1 3s, from the doorway of No. 32 Grosvenor Place, on the 17th inst., the property of John R Sutherland. There was a third charge against Mary Ellen and Alice Maud of having stolen on the 21st ult., from the porch of Percy Park House, Grand Parade, Tynemouth, an indiarubber mat, valued at £1 10s, the property of Mr A. O. Carr, JP.

In the first case, Detective Sergeant Hall said that on the 18th inst. he arrested the accused at their residence in Church Way. He found the mat produced cut to pieces in the kitchen. Afterwards it was identified by the prosecutor as his property. In the other cases, evidence was given to the effect that the two other mats had been similarly treated, and that one of them had been disposed of at a marine store dealer’s for 3s 6d. Previous convictions against the accused were put in by the Chief Constable (Mr J. H. Huish) and the magistrates committed the mother to prison for 14 days on each of the two charges preferred against her and sent the daughters to gaol for 14 days on each of the three charges preferred against them.”

 

Alice Marr was also involved in an earlier case. The Shields Daily News for 6 June 1906 reports:

“THEFT OF A SAILOR’S BAG AT NORTH SHIELDS.

At North Shields Police Court today Charles Marr, Mary Ann Marr, Mary Ellen Marr and Chas. Marr were charged with being concerned together in stealing a sailor’s bag of clothing etc, valued at £2, the property of John Partis Gibson, a seaman.

Supt. Jamieson of the BTP prosecuted. The prosecutor said that on the 7th May he joined the s.s. Camelia, which was then lying at the Commissioners’ Staithes. He was proceeding to the docks with his bag and when passing the North Shields Railway Station the defendant Chas. Marr came up to him and offered to carry his bag for 1d. He said he would give him 3d if he carried it to the docks and he agreed to do so. He gave him the bag and told him he was going to make a purchase. On reaching his vessel he failed to see the boy and gave information to the police. He went to sea the same day and had just returned. Two pawnbrokers’ assistants spoke to receiving a portion of the stolen clothing from two of the female defendants.

Sub-Inspector Leitch said that on the 8th May, from information received, he made enquiries and proceeded to the North Shields Railway Station, where he found the boy Marr and questioned him. He told witness he took the bag home, being unable to find the man who had engaged him at the dock. He went to the house occupied by the defendants and spoke to Mrs Marr with regard to the bag. She told him it was in the cupboard. He took possession of it and found that it contained only a small portion of the stolen clothing. He mentioned this circumstance to her and she said it was just the same as it was when it was brought in the previous day and that it had not been touched. He searched the house and found a portion of the property and he recovered the remainder from the pawnbrokers. He added that the boy told the truth at once and had given him every assistance in recovering the property, while the mother had given him a great deal of trouble.

Formally charged, the mother, Mary Ann Marr, said it would not have happened had it not been for need.

Charles, who made his 13th appearance, was given the option of a fine, he having assisted the police, and he was mulcted in 1s without costs. Marry Ann Marr, whom the magistrates considered was the chief instigator in the theft, was committed to prison for 14 days, while Mary Ellen Marr was sentenced to 7 days imprisonment. Because of her youth, Alice Marr was discharged.”

 

 

James S. George, arrested for stealing from his sister on 15 August 1906.

The Shields Daily News for 22 August 1906 reports:

At North Shields Police Court today James George (15) was charged with having, between Aug. 4th and 11th, stolen 3s in money, a silver match-box stand, and several articles of clothing, valued at £2 10s, the property of his sister, Alice Mary George. The whole of the property had been recovered by Sergt. Hall from four different pawnbrokers, with whom they had been pledged by the accused, who pleaded guilty. Inspector Scougal said the accused had been three time convicted for larceny since April 1903. Accused was remanded for a week with a view to being committed to a reformatory.

The Shields Daily News for 24 April 1903 contains the details of one of the earlier cases.

THEFT BY BOYS.

Alexander George (13), James George (11), Henry Crow (13), Robert Charters (8), Montgomery Bryden (9) and Andrew Dodds (11), Stephenson Street, were charged with stealing a rabbit, valued at 1s 6d, from a backyard at 137 Linskill Street, the property of Sarah Spurling. Prosecuters said that she missed a rabbit from her back premises, on the date named.

Alfred Hodgson, an assistant with Mr Kelday, poulterer, Camden Street, said that Charters brought the rabbit to the shop and offered to sell it, saying his father was out of work. He gave him 6d for it and afterwards handed it over to the police. Detective Sergt. Scougal said he arrested and charged the accused. They admitted participating in the theft and in sharing the proceeds.

Alex. George, James George, Andrew Dodds and Robt. Charters were then charged with stealing three pigeons, valued at 5s, from the backyard of 37 Jackson Street, on the 21st inst. William Williamson, a boy, said at 6.30pm on the 21st inst. he had a number of pigeons in a dovecot at the house of his parents. At 7pm they were missing. The birds were worth 5s. Later he went to a pigeon shop in the Borough Road and there identified two of them. Det.-Sergt. Scougal said he charged the accused and they admitted stealing the pigeons and selling two. The whole of the prisoners were ordered to be birched”.

The Shields Daily News for 20 March 1905 also reported on another case involving George.

THROWING MISSILES.

James George and Robert Charters, little boys, were summoned for throwing missiles in Linskill Street on the 3rd inst. The evidence showed that the defendants and other boys were continually annoying a tradesman in that thoroughfare. On the date named potatoes were thrown into the shop. One struck the woman behind the counter on the head and another smashed a window, the broken pane having since been replaced by George’s father. George was fined 2s 6d without costs and the case against Charters was dismissed.

 

 

Thomas Wallace, arrested for indecent exposure on 17 February 1905.

The Shields Daily News for 17 February 1905 reports:

At North Shields Police Court today, Thomas Wallace (18), rivet catcher, 26 Trinity Street, was charged with having indecently conducted himself on three separate dates, viz., the 17th Jany. and the 12th and 14th Feby., in the presence of females. Mr G.R. Duncan defended.

Evidence in support of the charge having been given, Mr Duncan called Dr E. Brumwell, who described the accused, who is 18 years of age, as a youth of extremely weak intellect. In his opinion he required to be carefully watched, as he was in danger of developing permanent insanity.

Mrs Wallace, mother of the prisoner, described her son as a kind, hard-working, well disposed lad. He had never been in trouble before and the present case had come as a great shock to her. Detective Sergt. Scougal said he arrested the accused and charged him with the three offences. He admitted his guilt.

Mr Duncan asked the magistrates to deal with the accused under the First Offenders Act and bind him to over to come up for judgement if called upon. He assured them that the fact of the accused being brought before them would have a lasting impression upon his mind and would influence him for his good in the future. The magistrates committed him to prison for 7 days in the second division on each charge – three weeks in all.

 

 

William Morrissey alias Smith, arrested for sleeping rough on 11 July 1904.

The Shields Daily Gazette for 11 July 1904 reported:

At North Shields, Charles Winlow (53), tramp, no fixed abode, was charged with lodging in a hay stack in Mariners’ Lane without having visible means of subsistence, and was sent to prison for seven days. William Wadham, Tyne Dock, William Smith or Morrison, shoeblack, and William Patton, no fixed abode, were charged with lodging in a hay pike at Kenners Dene Farm. Wadham and Smith were each committed for seven days and Patton was committed for 14 days.

The Shields Daily Gazette for 7 June 1904 reports:

Two youths named Joseph Leach, 52 Wilson Street, and William Morrisey, no fixed abode, were found by PC Twiddy were found sleeping in a railway carriage on the N.E.R. siding in Garden Lane, at 3.15 this morning. Relating the facts to the South Shields magistrates the officer said that when he roused Leach that defendant set himself in a fighting attitude, while the other sat up on the seat, lit a cigarette and refused to leave … The magistrates fined them 5s and costs each.

Contemporary attitudes to rough sleeping can be seen in a report in the Shields Daily Gazette on 5 October 1903.

At Jarrow today John Smith, Wm Cooper, James Bell, young men who said they came to the town in search of work, were charged with sleeping in Palmers Works last night. PC Lowery gave evidence and Supt Fleming said that the county was ‘swarming’ with fellows like defendants, who should be made to seek shelter in the Workhouses. Defendants were sent to prison for 7 days.

The Shields Daily Gazette of 8 October 1903 contains an article entitled ‘Lazy Loafers’:

There are some people who will neither work nor want. They are the typical loafers we can see in the streets any day. Apparently we have a fairly good stock of them at North Shields. It is not because of depression of trade either. The other morning no fewer than half a dozen of such individuals were place in the dock on a charge of sleeping out. The officer had found them all huddled together in an empty room during the night and they could not give a satisfactory account of themselves. When questioned by the magistrates, the police officers stated that all the defendants were lazy loafers, who had never worked for a considerable time. They did nothing but lounge about the streets during the day and then obtained shelter in some empty room or outhouse at night. The magistrates marked their sense of the offence by sending them all to prison for a month each – each with hard labour. A month of hard work will probably do them a vast of good and will enable them to shake off that habitual tired feeling.

Morrisey was convicted on numerous other occasions. The Shields Daily Gazette of 5 November 1902 reported:

At South Shields today a youth named William Morrisey was charged with stealing on the 4th inst. a jacket of the value of 2s 3d, the property of James Davison. He was fined 10s and costs.

The Shields Daily Gazette for 2 January 1903 reported:

Before the Mayor (Counc. James Grant) and other magistrates at So. Shields, on Wednesday, William Morrisey, 16, and Arthur Cairns, 18, were charged with stealing on Dec. 29th, a barometer, valued at 25s … on the way to the Police Station Morrisey remarked “A couple of months would just about put me right” … The Bench fined Morrisey, who had previously convicted for larceny, 10s and costs, and Cairns 5s and costs.

The Shields Daily News for 10 July 1905 reported:

At South Shields Police Court today William Morrisey (20). no fixed abode and David McNess (19), Anderson’s Lane, were charged with breaking and entering the dwelling house of Mary McCalvery on the 8th inst. and stealing therein two desks value 10s.

Prosecutrix said she kept a green grocer’s shop in Tyne Street and resided upon the premises. At half-past twelve on the afternoon of the 8th she locked up her house and shop, leaving two desks, which contained some valuables, on a desk bed in the kitchen. When she returned to her house at twenty past ten at night she found that someone had been in the house and that the desks had been removed from the desk bed on to the floor near the door.

A witness deposed to seeing the prisoners loitering near the prosecutrix’s shop. She afterwards saw Morrisey open the house door with a key and go in. She then informed the police. PC Ogg said from what he was told he visited the prosecutrix’s house and on going inside he found Morrisey in the kitchen. He took him into custody. He afterwards apprehended McNess.

The prisoner had nothing to say. This was Morrisey’s 18th offence and he was committed to prison for 3 months; this being McNess’s 1st offence, he was bound over for three months”.

 

 

Oscar Carlson was arrested on: 15 June 1903 for theft.

The Shields Daily Gazette for 15 June 1903 reports that:

A Norwegian, named Oscar Carlsen, was charged with stealing a packet of tobacco valued 4.5d from the same shop [on the New Quay belonging to Francis Clark]. Sergt Proud stated he was at the tram accident on Saturday night and while he was attending to the injured people defendant went to the shop and commenced handling the goods. Witness pulled him away twice and the third time he took him into custody. Defendant then dropped the packet of tobacco behind his back. The Bench imposed a fine of 5s without costs.

 

 

Margaret Leadbitter, arrested for stealing money from other children on 16 August 1904.

The Shields Daily Gazette for 16 August 1904 reports:

At North Shields Margaret Leadbitter (12), 41 Wellington Street, was charged with stealing on August 11th, from the person of Sarah Moffott, while in Saville Street, the sum of 1s 2d, the money of Thompson Moffott, and further with stealing on the 6th inst from the person of Martha Ann Taylor, while in Linskill Street back lane, the sum of 2s, the money of Matthew Taylor. There was a third charge of stealing from the person which was not proceeded with.

The evidence in both cases was similar, young children having been sent to perform errands by their parents and being robbed by the accused. She was arrested by Detective Thornton. The girl pleaded guilty to both charges and said that she would not steal any more. The mother said that the child had never been in any trouble of this kind before. The father was bound over in the sum of 40s to ensure his daughter’s good behaviour for six months.

 

 

Maud M. Garmey, domestic servant, arrested for theft on 8 November 1905.

The Shields Daily News for 8 November 1905 reports:

ALLEGED THEFT BY A GIRL

Maud M. Garney (17), belonging to Jarrow, was remanded for eight days on a charge of having stolen a large number of domestic articles, the property of Augustis Maccellari, from the Tyne Hotel, Clive Street, where she had been employed a week.

The Shields Daily News for 15 November 1905 reports:

THEFT BY A DOMESTIC AT NORTH SHIELDS

At North Shields Police Court today, Maud M. Garney (17), residing in Jarrow, was charged on remand, with having stolen, on the 7th inst. from the Tyne Hotel, Clive Street, three bedsheets, a pillow case, and several other household articles, valued at £1 4s 2d, the property of Augustaf Maccelari.

The wife of the prosecutor stated that the accused was in the service of her husband as a domestic servant. On the 7th inst. she missed several household articles, which she valued at £1 4s 2d, and gave information to the police. The articles produced were the property of her husband.

Jane Elizabeth Robson, a single woman, residing on the Ranter’s Bank, stated that on the 7th, the accused came to her house and asked to be taken in. She acceded to her request. Prisoner had with her a lot of things which witness afterwards handed over to the police. Inspector Thornton said he arrested prisoner and charged her with the theft.

She replied: “Yes, I took them”. Chief Constable Huish stated that he had had an interview with the relatives of the accused, who resided in Jarrow. They thought she should be sent to a home and with the assistance of the Police Court Missionary (Mr Macpherson), a home had been found for her. He asked the magistrates to deal with her under the First Offenders’ Act and bind her over to come up for judgement if called upon within twelve months on her promising to go into the home. Accused gave her consent and the magistrates bound her over.

 

 

Charlotte Branney arrested for Larceny on 5th January 1904.

The Shields Daily Gazette for 12 January 1904 reports:

A SERVANT’S THEFTS.

Charlotte Branney (18), who hails from Murton Colliery, was formerly in domestic service with Ed. McHugh, eating-house keeper, New Quay, North Shields. On August 26th she obtained a day’s leave and, after she was gone, a jacket was missed from a stand in the hall. Next day she left altogether and so did a skirt from the bedroom. Charlotte was apprehended at Seaham Harbour and brought back to explain. This she did by pleading guilty to stealing the skirt but, as to the jacket, she said she only borrowed that for the afternoon. Being afraid of detection on her return she threw it over a fence near her mistresses’s house and it was gone the next morning. Chief Contsable Huish said she was “wanted” at Newcastle on another charge and she was now sentenced to 14 days in the second division.

You can read more mugshots and the stories behind them in this series here and here.

Via: North East Museums