The Cask Robberies: We gave the particulars last week of some proceedings which had been taken before the Bristol magistrates, against Mr. Gilbert, merchant of that city, for having in his possession several casks, which had been stolen from other persons. The case was resumed on Wednesday. Henry Davey, porter, gave evidence to the effect that he was seen by Mr. Gilbert to sell the 19 casks to Mr. Durham and there was never any attempt at concealing casks on Mr. Gilbert’s premises. Witnesses also attended from Bath, who proved that Mr. Gray’s cooper was in error when he stated that the cask identified had been branded in July last. The bench, after some deliberation, expressed a belief that the case tended to lay bare a system of fraud and plunder, which had long been carried on in that city; but the evidence was not sufficient to authorize them in committing for trial. Mr. Herapath said an indictment could be preferred at the sessions, if the parties pleased, or another case might be proceeded with. Mr. Ayre, for the prosecution, said he should go on with another case, one which he conceived to be stronger and clearer than the last, but as some of the witnesses were in Wales, he should not be able to complete it. — The case referred to, is one in which Mr. Pinsent, of Bath, is the complainant, and we believe is similar in its main features to the one just disposed of.
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Referenced
GRO1194 Hennock: Joseph Burton Pinsent: 1806 – 1874 (?)