Stepney Folk

Ann Flynn

Ann Flynn was indicted at the Old Bailey for stealing from a butcher in Whitechapel a shoulder of mutton. She was caught and taken before a magistrate, and committed for trial five weeks later. She said her husband had been ill and unable to earn for twelve weeks. Having two infant children she stole the mutton in desperation.

She was found her guilty sentenced to be fined one shilling which the jury themselves paid but the prison officer gave it to her.

As soon as she was taken away the butcher told the Court that the constable had done him more injury than the thief for the magistrate had ordered the constable to take care of the shoulder of mutton and 'he thought fit to cook it for his own dinner, and to sit down and eat it'.

The constable was immediately called upon to account for his conduct and he said " My Lord, I did take care of it, as ordered; I kept it whilst it was worth keeping, and if my wife and I had not eaten it, the dogs must have dined on it."

(See The Complete Newgate Calendar, Vol. III for fuller details. No date given.)