Children of Stephen and Mary Bourn(e)

Sarah Maria Blackett, 29, spinster, and Mary Blackett, 68, widow, both described as well educated, were indicted for unlawfully obtaining, by means of a certain false pretence, divers goods, value 9d, with intent to defraud Agnes Gates, at Horsham, on the 17th of February.—There was another indictment against them for stealing a key, but this was thrown out by the Grand Jury.—These are the ladies who are so well known in many towns in Sussex, and who have carried on a system of fraud for several years past. In their travels they have always carried with them a large tame rabbit, which the younger prisoner carried concealed under he cloak. The younger prisoner is tolerably prepossessing, but rather dirty looking; the elder is very much bent, and both were shabbily dressed.—Mr R. Durnford appeared for the prosecution.—It appears that in February they visited Horsham, and after engaging one lodging and being turned out, owing to their character becoming known, they engaged apartments at Mrs Gates's and obtained certain provisions, by pretending that their luggage was on the rail in course of conveyance from Norwood. This it was proved was entirely false.—The jury found them both guilty.—Mr Superintendent Henderson, to whom the public is much indebted for bringing them to justice, produced between forty and fifty letters, showing how the prisoners had succeeded in defrauding the public. He also stated that he had heard that the elder prisoner had been previously convicted at Sevenoaks for using a begging letter.—The Chairman, who asked if any explanation could be given as to the reason they carried the rabbit about with them, dwelt upon the system of fraud pursued by the prisoners for many years, and said he was afraid they had become too hardened in crime for words from him to be of any avail. He sentenced them to six months' hard labour each.

Prisoner was further charged with attempting to procure the commission of an act of indecency with Walter Bourn, about the month of December last.—Walter Bourn, a labouring man, residing at 9, Worthing-road, Horsham, stated that about a week before Christmas he saw the prisoner near the Black Horse. Prisoner treated him with something to drink at the Black Horse Hotel, and when they got outside the hotel prisoner took hold of witness and made an improper proposal. Prisoner was the worse for drink.

Hargreave was committed for trial at the assizes.

Prisoner was further charged with attempting to procure the commission of an act of gross indecency with one Walter Bourne, a middle-aged man, during the month of December, and with William George Evans on the 15th January.—Bourne, who said he was working at the Black Horse, swore that prisoner twice passed him and then treated him with drink. On leaving the hotel prisoner took hold of him, making an indecent remark. As he was in drink witness pushed him into the road and left him. [ . . . ]

A WANDERER.—At the Horsham Petty Sessions on Saturday Walter Bourne, summoned for having been drunk and disorderly at Crawley, was discharged.—P.S. Hawkins said defendant found his way to Buchan Hill and was locked up in the house as nothing could be made of him, the police, meanwhile, being sent for.—Defendant said he missed his way.