Arrested for: not given
Arrested at: North Shields Police Station
Arrested on: 11 September 1906
Tyne and Wear Archives ref: DX1388-1-93-Thomas H Watson
The Shields Daily News for 11 September 1906 reports:
“SUSPECTS ON BOARD SHIP AT NORTH SHIELDS.
At North Shields Police Court today, James Jefferson (18) and Thomas Watson (17) were charged with being on board the brig Widgeon, supposed for the purpose of committing a felony, on the 10th inst.
PC Colpitts said that at 10.30 pm on the date in question he was on duty on the New Quay when he saw two figures creeping along the deck of the brig Widgeon. He jumped on board and the accused at once concealed themselves. He found Jefferson crouching at the foot of the mast and Watson hiding behind a coil of rope. Neither of them had their boots on. When he asked them what they were doing there they both replied “Nothing”. He took them to the mate, who said they had no right on board the vessel. Witness knew them both to be convicted thieves and Jefferson was a dangerous character.
The accused denied being on board the vessel with any felonious intention. Jefferson who made his 19th appearance, was committed for a month with hard labour and Watson who appeared for the third time was sent to gaol for 7 days, also with hard labour”.
These images are a selection from an album of photographs of prisoners brought before the North Shields Police Court between 1902 and 1916 in the collection of Tyne & Wear Archives (TWA ref DX1388/1).
Copyright) We’re happy for you to share this digital image within the spirit of The Commons. Please cite ‘Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums’ when reusing. Certain restrictions on high quality reproductions and commercial use of the original physical version apply though; if you’re unsure please email archives@twmuseums.org.uk.
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